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

One of the engineering challenges addressed by Horse Powertrain was how to incorporate amorphous steel into the stator design. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026

Epoxy resins, meanwhile, serve as structural adhesives and protective coatings, and act as the primary matrix in carbon fiber components for wind turbine blades, aircraft structures, high-end sporting goods, and civil engineering reinforcements. —Etiido Uko march 08, New Atlas, 8 Mar. 2026

The engineering in the year 2026, Shapiro said, would not be a problem in constructing the mammoth structure across the water. —Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2026

For William Feasey, an aerospace engineering PhD student who moved to Southern California two years ago, the marathon offered a unique perspective on the city. —Michelle Edgar, Daily News, 8 Mar. 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)