machinery

noun

ma·​chin·​ery mə-ˈshē-nə-rē How to pronounce machinery (audio)
-ˈshēn-rē
plural machineries
Synonyms of machinerynext
1
a
: machines in general or as a functioning unit
b
: the working parts of a machine
2
: the means or system by which something is kept in action or a desired result is obtained
the machinery of government

Synonyms of machinery

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Examples of machinery in a Sentence

Some of the mill's machinery was damaged in the fire. a piece of farm machinery Something was clogging the machinery. The United Nations has set up machinery for mediation.
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.
Engineers can use virtual models to examine assembly procedures, equipment placement and potential safety issues before installing production machinery. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026 For Agarwal, reliable AI is therefore less a question of how convincing a machine can sound than how precisely the machinery underneath it can perform. — Ethan Stone, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026 Banks lend against physical assets such as land, buildings and machinery, which production houses can’t offer. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026 Karl Mayer previews new knitting machinery in China Karl Mayer will demonstrate new machinery for apparel, footwear and technical textiles at its Changzhou, China, facility during ITMA Asia 2026. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for machinery

Word History

Etymology

machine entry 1 + -ery

First Known Use

1731, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of machinery was in 1731

Rhymes for machinery

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Browse Nearby Words

machine room
machinery
machine screw
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Cite this Entry

“Machinery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/machinery. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

machinery

noun
ma·​chin·​ery mə-ˈshēn-(ə-)rē How to pronounce machinery (audio)
plural machineries
1
: machines in general
2
: the working parts of a machine or instrument
3
: the organization or system by which something is done or carried on
machinery of government

More from Merriam-Webster on machinery

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about machinery

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