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engineering

noun en·gi·neer·ing \ ˌen-jə-ˈnir-iŋ \
|Updated on: 8 Aug 2018

Definition of engineering

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

See engineering defined for English-language learners

See engineering defined for kids

Examples of engineering in a Sentence

  1. This control panel is a good example of smart engineering.

Recent Examples of engineering from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'engineering.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of engineering

1697

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Phrases Related to ENGINEERING

Related Phrases

ENGINEERING Defined for English Language Learners

engineering

noun

Definition of engineering for English Language Learners

  • : the work of designing and creating large structures (such as roads and bridges) or new products or systems by using scientific methods

  • : the control or direction of something (such as behavior)

ENGINEERING Defined for Kids

engineering

noun en·gi·neer·ing \ ˌen-jə-ˈnir-iŋ \

Definition of engineering for Students

: the application of science to the goal of creating useful machines (as automobiles) or structures (as roads and dams)
  • industrial engineering
  • computer engineering

Learn More about engineering

  1. See words that rhyme with engineering Spanish Central: Translation of engineering Nglish: Translation of engineering for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of engineering for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about engineering

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