engineering

noun

en·​gi·​neer·​ing ˌen-jə-ˈnir-iŋ How to pronounce engineering (audio)
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 All three are the first generation in their family to graduate from college, and now all three are pursuing doctorates in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. Barbara Bry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2024 One hope seems to be that the many challenges of developing clean-sheet BWB aircraft might be overcome by the sheer momentum of engineering and investment. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 10 Mar. 2024 The Best Scooters Our Kids Rode, Jumped With, and Tossed on the Ground Educational Insights Bolt Buddies Recycling Truck Buy on Target $22 Buy on Walmart $22 This STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) toy is a fun and educational way to increase STEM skills. Erica Puisis, Parents, 9 Mar. 2024 Travis Langer Background: Langer served in the U.S. Marine Corps, has a degree in automotive engineering and recently started his own business, Langers Auto Spa. Rory Linnane, Journal Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2024 Jessica Wittner is a California native who graduated with a bachelor's in aerospace engineering from the University of Arizona and a master's in aerospace engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. Marcus Reichley, The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024 As a global and public health expert, Schindler (who has a Bachelor of Science in biomedical/medical engineering and global health from Duke University) was working in the developing world on low-cost medical grade tools and technologies a few years ago. Parija Kavilanz, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024 Rebuilding — not just repaving — a residential street can take two or three years from proposal to design to engineering to road work. Rory Appleton, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Mar. 2024 Preliminary engineering work and acquisition of property in the right-of-way, at $10.9 million. The Enquirer, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'engineering.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of engineering was in 1697

Dictionary Entries Near engineering

Cite this Entry

“Engineering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/engineering. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

engineering

noun
en·​gi·​neer·​ing ˌen-jə-ˈni(ə)r-iŋ How to pronounce engineering (audio)
: 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)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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