factory

noun

fac·​to·​ry ˈfak-t(ə-)rē 

plural factories

1

: a station where factors reside and trade

a colonial factory

2

a

: a building or set of buildings with facilities for manufacturing

b

: the seat of some kind of production

the vice factories of the slums

factorylike

ˈfak-t(ə-)rē-ˌlīk 

adjective

Synonyms

• manufactory
• mill
• plant
• shop
• works
• workshop

Examples of factory in a Sentence

She got a job in the factory.

the new factory will create hundreds of much-needed jobs

Recent Examples on the Web

The factory will produce medical devices for patients with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and other renal health issues. —David Beasley | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 July 2024

Data showed production at U.S. factories increased more than expected in June, contributing to a solid rebound in output in the second quarter. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 17 July 2024

With his shoe factory headed toward bankruptcy, Charlie Price finds an unexpected collaborator in Lola, an entertainer who needs stilettos. —Domenica Bongiovanni, The Indianapolis Star, 16 July 2024

Trains loudly chugged by every day and night at the bottom of their property, downstream from the Armco mill and Pullman factory a mile or so away. —Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, 15 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

fact(or) entry 1 + -ory entry 1; in sense 1 after Portuguese feitoria; in sense 2 perhaps short for manufactory

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing factory

• factory farm
• factory ship
• on the factory floor
• the factory floor
• think factory

Kids Definition

factory

noun

fac·​to·​ry ˈfak-t(ə-)rē 

plural factories

: a building or set of buildings equipped for manufacturing

Etymology

from early French factorie "a place where business is carried on," derived from Latin factor "one that does or makes," from factus, past participle of facere "to make, do" — related to fashion, manufacture