engineering

1 of 2

noun

en·​gi·​neer·​ing ˌen-jə-ˈnir-iŋ How to pronounce engineering (audio)
Synonyms of engineeringnext
1
: the activities or function of an engineer
2
a
: the application of science and mathematics by which the properties of matter and the sources of energy in nature are made useful to people
b
: the design and manufacture of complex products
software engineering
3
: calculated manipulation or direction (as of behavior)
social engineering
compare genetic engineering

engineering

2 of 2

present participle of engineer entry 2

Examples of engineering in a Sentence

Noun This control panel is a good example of smart engineering.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The company was later identified as British engineering firm Arup. — Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026 The projects show different demands on tower-crane engineering. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026 This episode was produced by Alejandra Marquez Janse and Karen Zamora, with audio engineering by Hannah Gluvna. — October 23, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026 Behind-the-scenes engineering modifications over the last year have boosted not only the attraction’s reliability, but allowed its capacity to increase by about 125 people per hour. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for engineering

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of engineering was in 1697

Phrases Containing engineering

Rhymes for engineering

See All Rhymes for engineering

Browse Nearby Words

engineer boot
engineering
engineering geology
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Cite this Entry

“Engineering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/engineering. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

engineering

noun
en·​gi·​neer·​ing ˌen-jə-ˈni(ə)r-iŋ How to pronounce engineering (audio)
: the science or profession of developing and using nature's power and resources in ways that are useful to people (as in designing and building roads, bridges, dams, or machines and in creating new products)

More from Merriam-Webster on engineering

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for engineering

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about engineering

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