engineering

noun

en·​gi·​neer·​ing ˌen-jə-ˈnir-iŋ 

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

Maryland needs a professional engineering concept study, a big-picture sketch done by people who understand how power systems work, who have built things before and who are not emotionally attached to particular solutions. —Alex Pavlak, Baltimore Sun, 1 Feb. 2026

Biohub is focused on advancing biomedical science, engineering, and artificial intelligence to cure, prevent, or manage all diseases. —Sydney Lake, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2026

Fact-checking by Ayda Pourasad and engineering by Jimmy Keeley. —Andrea Hsu, NPR, 1 Feb. 2026

His father, trained in railroad engineering, died when Fogarty was about 8. —Jeff Suess, Cincinnati Enquirer, 1 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing engineering

• biomedical engineering
• chemical engineering
• electrical engineering
• genetic engineering
• geotechnical engineering
• human engineering
• industrial engineering
• knowledge engineering
• mechanical engineering
• social engineering
• traffic engineering

Rhymes for engineering

• commandeering
• disappearing
• domineering
• interfering
• overhearing
• persevering
• pioneering
• privateering
• profiteering
• racketeering
• reappearing
• volunteering

Kids Definition

engineering

noun

en·​gi·​neer·​ing ˌen-jə-ˈni(ə)r-iŋ 

: 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)