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

Having won Beijing’s agreement to halve hybrid vehicle imports, Brussels is now eyeing checks on Chinese chemicals and machinery, Politico reported. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Made for electric trucks, industrial machinery, and other heavy-duty equipment, the battery delivers up to 358 kilowatts (kW) (about 480 hp) of peak power. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026

Readers will also learn about industrial methods of washing and machinery and about key chemicals. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Todd Engel had operated heavy machinery, like forklifts and rubber-tire loaders, around warehouses and highways in suburban Maryland for four decades. — Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 10 Oct. 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