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

The countries announced a framework for the agreement in November, saying Argentina would ease restrictions on a range of American imports, including cattle, dairy products, medicines, chemicals, machinery, medical devices and vehicles. —Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026

Unlike heavy machinery, goats selectively target problem plants and naturally return nutrients to the soil. —Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 2026

The lab designed for action, and the environment was noisy, with motors operating nearby to power machinery and oh, no chair. —Natalia Sánchez Loayza, Scientific American, 5 Feb. 2026

Tuesday afternoon, heavy machinery was used to lift and haul away large piles of snow along South Broad Street, between Washington and Oregon avenues. —Eva Andersen, CBS News, 4 Feb. 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