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

Together, the studies suggest the machinery that moves us also helps maintain us. — New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026

And even in parks, parents and guardians have to keep children stiflingly close, out of the path of all the bionic combos of muscle and machinery barreling through. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 5 Nov. 2026

A lot of higher-frequency sound from machinery, bits of people’s conversations, and some general hum still came through. — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026

Among City Hall’s problems has been a mummified tolerance of arthritic leadership and the rusted machinery of basic services. — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

machine entry 1 + -ery

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