engineering

1 of 2

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

engineering

2 of 2

present participle of engineer entry 2

Examples of engineering in a Sentence

Noun

This control panel is a good example of smart engineering.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Other majors, such as engineering, with its extensive math requirements, have been harder to shrink. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026

The engineering department designed the parts of the brush to fit snugly so that no water gets in. — Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

The seven-time world champion has spoken of improvements within the team, including some changes with the engineering group that included the off-season appointment of a new race engineer, Carlo Santi, to communicate with him on the radio. — Luke Smith, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Bigai worked as an implementation consultant at software company Creatio, with prior engineering experience at Nokia Siemens Networks. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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
• prompt 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)