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

In manufacturing, these sensors can detect micro-anomalies in machinery to prevent downtime. —Robert Messer, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026

Chopper 2 was over the scene as Port Authority workers and heavy machinery, including an excavator and a dump truck, converged on the sinkhole. —Jeff Capellini, CBS News, 20 May 2026

The restrictions are expected to remain in place as work continues into the summer, but for now, the transformation has left one of DC's most recognizable sites largely hidden behind fencing and machinery. —Mike Stunson, USA Today, 20 May 2026

The watchmakers also used precision machinery to give the stones a delicate curve reminiscent of the other pieces in the Color Blossom collection. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 19 May 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