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.
Authorities immediately launched a rescue operation involving firefighters, police, the National Disaster Response Force and civic officials but efforts were hampered by narrow access lanes that prevented the use of heavy machinery, officials said. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026 Businesses and private nonprofits, meanwhile, can borrow up to $2 million for repairing or replacing damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026 As these dense swarms drift into coastal waters, intake pumps pull them directly into the cooling machinery. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026 An original elevator still serves every floor—including the attic—for anyone willing to trust 90-year-old machinery. — Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for machinery

Word History

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 15 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of machinery for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about machinery

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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