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 mogul studied electronic engineering at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, after receiving a master’s and bachelor’s degree in physics from China’s Tsinghua University. — Yue Wang, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

And the private grading plan associated with the project, which provided engineering details for the development of private property, was completely voided, citing issues with code compliance. — Zuri Primos july 27, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026

Others said the moment was a warning that underscored the need for stronger AI defensive engineering. — ABC News, 26 July 2026

That said, the drone does feature some clever engineering and has the potential for effective vector control in many scenarios. — New Atlas, 26 July 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)