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

The decision to hide every building below the dune line, plant native species along every pathway, and leave the coastline visually intact required more money and engineering than conventional construction would have. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026

The train itself isn’t luxurious, but taking it gives you a front-row seat to witness the incredible feat of engineering required to load it onto special tracks on the ferry. — Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026

This is one method within the wider discipline, with engineering and assurance judgments retaining their authority. — Mohammed Cherifi, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

With that hub in mind, design firm Studio De Voogt, along with the engineering and naval architects at Feadship, crafted an expansive open space at the core of Hive, ditching the conventional superyacht interior entirely. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 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)