engineering

noun

en·​gi·​neer·​ing ˌen-jə-ˈnir-iŋ 

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

His lab also offers science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subscriptions that help kids, teens and adults do hands-on experiments, think critically, and create like engineers, Netflix said. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025

Impactful process transformation is equal parts engineering and anthropology. —Sanjoy Sarkar, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025

Scientific and engineering advances don't do well in the face of such wild swings and inconstancy. —Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2025

As a tribute to Transcend’s 10-year anniversary, Paige unveiled the campaign dedicated to the fabric, a short film series from Russell Tandy that provides an inside look at the engineering and detail that goes into the creation of every product. —Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 18 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing engineering

• biomedical engineering
• chemical engineering
• electrical engineering
• genetic engineering
• geotechnical engineering
• human engineering
• industrial engineering
• knowledge engineering
• mechanical engineering
• social engineering
• traffic engineering

Rhymes for engineering

• commandeering
• disappearing
• domineering
• interfering
• overhearing
• persevering
• pioneering
• privateering
• profiteering
• racketeering
• reappearing
• volunteering

Kids Definition

engineering

noun

en·​gi·​neer·​ing ˌen-jə-ˈni(ə)r-iŋ 

: 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)