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

First, the civil engineering company will need to safely burrow massive single-lane tunnels that are close to 10 miles long. —Charles Singh, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Sep. 2025

This innovation, combined with advanced engineering and regional cooperation, sets a new standard for responsible offshore wind development worldwide, according to a press release. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025

In early August, an attorney representing KC Life filed pre-demolition inspections on the four buildings, saying that engineering reports confirm that the structures are dangerous and pose a significant risk of deterioration, collapse and injury. —Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 5 Sep. 2025

It was produced by Tyler Bartlam and Connor Donevan, with audio engineering by Ted Mebane and Hannah Gluvna. —September 5, NPR, 5 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)