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

Since early 2024, Bohon has been helping lead the state’s earthquake preparedness efforts as branch chief of seismic hazards and earthquake engineering for the state’s geologic agency. —Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 15 Feb. 2026

Campers will explore different book formats and basic paper-engineering techniques while designing and illustrating their own original projects inspired by stories and shared reading. —Susan Soldavin, Baltimore Sun, 15 Feb. 2026

Architecture tours along the Chicago River are a great way to appreciate the engineering behind landmarks like Willis Tower, while Millennium Park’s iconic Cloud Gate is unmissable. —Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026

Worse, the scientific returns from the robotic missions were much more substantial than those of the ISS, whose main contributions were in space station engineering and space medicine. —New Atlas, 15 Feb. 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)