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

The engineering team had microphones placed throughout the audience to capture real time reactions to the show for the podcast and later broadcast. —Sophia Arndt, Twin Cities, 26 Sep. 2025

Nichols, 44, has worked as an engineer for the Arkansas Department of Transportation, the city of Jonesboro, and currently owns a small transportation engineering firm, according to a news release announcing his candidacy. —Ella McCarthy, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2025

This risk compounds the engineering and validation challenges Tesla already faces. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025

The Honeywell Innovation Hub will enhance the college’s STEM education with real-world work experience through engineering labs and classrooms, and collaboration, specialized research and simulation spaces. —Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025

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)