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.
These engineering advancements demonstrate that the memory bottleneck is a design choice, poised to disrupt current memory market valuations and reinforce the semiconductor industry's cyclical nature. — Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 Time is now of the essence as the AI race escalates, said Jesse Sloane, Deep Isolation executive vice president of engineering. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026 Those benefits reach far beyond engineering and construction. — Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026 While wireless phone charging doesn’t surprise anyone anymore, sending power through the air to a moving drone is definitely a much bigger engineering challenge. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 9 Aug. 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 15 Aug. 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)
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