engineering

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

Examples of engineering in a Sentence

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.
Two years later, Kingswill is now studying civil engineering at UC Davis. — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 4 July 2026 One of the biggest engineering challenges was positioning the GPS and V2X antennas. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 4 July 2026 The reconstruction effort is also mobilizing Venezuela’s engineering community. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026 After reducing engineering staff and relying more heavily on AI for portions of its design and development work, Ford found that the technology could not consistently match the expertise of experienced engineers. — Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for engineering

Word History

First Known Use

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 7 Jul. 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)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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