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

This year, the jury also created a scholarship fund for people seeking careers in journalism and automotive design and engineering. —Mark Phelan, USA Today, 20 Sep. 2025

Researchers revealed that their work highlights the effectiveness of electronic band structure engineering in enhancing the thermoelectric performance of superionic conductors. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2025

As an engineering problem, AI mimics basic brain functions like memory, recall, organizing information, and learning. —Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

While route optimization gets a lot of focus, zone engineering—using analytics to dynamically balance territories, simulate changes and optimize schedules—is often overlooked. —Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 19 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)