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

Digital twins provide a way to connect engineering models with the real-world operation of physical systems. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026

This level of engineering and performance potential drops the One-All into a competitive segment. — New Atlas, 7 Nov. 2026

The researchers argue that even the cleverest engineering will never be able to create a material that doesn’t lose some of the light that passes through it. — Matthew Von Hippel, Scientific American, 7 Nov. 2026

Leach didn’t yet know it, but those experiences would help shape both his engineering interests and his eventual career. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 7 Nov. 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)