machinery

noun

ma·​chin·​ery mə-ˈshē-nə-rē 

-ˈshēn-rē

plural machineries

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

• instrumentality
• vehicle
• instrument
• means
• agent
• mechanism
• organ

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

Did that feel like a way to reconnect with music, and with people, without the whole Daft Punk machinery around it? —Alma Rota, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026

These configurations allow the machinery to mimic the operation of Pressurized Water Reactors, which currently make up the majority of international nuclear plants. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 17 June 2026

The fashion industry represents the third-largest manufacturing sector in Italy, trailing behind machinery and automotive — the entire supply chain is powered by about 79,000 companies and a more than 456,000-strong workforce. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 16 June 2026

Now a startup wants to bring that same financial machinery to artificial intelligence. —Yun Li, CNBC, 16 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1731, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for machinery

• deanery
• greenery
• scenery
• turbomachinery

Kids Definition

machinery

noun

ma·​chin·​ery mə-ˈshēn-(ə-)rē 

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