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

• agency
• agent
• instrument
• instrumentality
• means
• medium
• ministry
• organ
• vehicle

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

First, the dredging machinery broke several times and needed repairs, and then the site offshore Oceanside selected by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was producing more rocks and cobble than soft, fluffy sand. —Laylan Connelly, Orange County Register, 23 Apr. 2024

These items can get tangled in machinery, cause hazards for workers and slow the recycling process down. —Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1731, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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