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

Even after 500 charge–discharge cycles at −30 °C, the rod-like crystals remained crack-free, underscoring the mechanical resilience imparted by crystallographic engineering. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026

Anthropology, physics, computer science, computer engineering and graphic design majors tend to have the highest unemployment rates. —Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2026

The Panthers won 31-28, with Young engineering a fourth-quarter comeback. —Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026

That’s as several headwinds weigh on production, including geology, engineering, logistics, regulatory, and environmental issues. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026

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)