machinery

noun

ma·​chin·​ery mə-ˈshē-nə-rē 

-ˈshēn-rē

plural machineries

1

a

: machines in general or as a functioning unit

b

: the working parts of a machine

2

: the means or system by which something is kept in action or a desired result is obtained

the machinery of government

Synonyms of machinery

• instrumentality
• vehicle
• instrument
• means
• agent
• mechanism
• organ

Examples of machinery in a Sentence

Some of the mill's machinery was damaged in the fire.

a piece of farm machinery

Something was clogging the machinery.

The United Nations has set up machinery for mediation.

Recent Examples on the Web

And the staggering surplus figure is also testament to the country’s rapid climb to dominate green technologies like EVs, lithium-ion batteries, and solar panels, as well as its prowess in making machinery and tech products at scale. —Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 15 Jan. 2026

But below deck, in machinery spaces and fuel tanks, Norway is quietly engineering its post-oil future. —Ryan Craggs, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2026

Smart factories rise Zoomlion Heavy Industry has implemented a full-chain AI system spanning construction machinery, intelligent manufacturing, management, and humanoid robotics. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026

Industry runs on machinery and management making the right calls. —Kriti Sharma, Fortune, 15 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1731, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for machinery

• deanery
• greenery
• scenery
• turbomachinery

Kids Definition

machinery

noun

ma·​chin·​ery mə-ˈshēn-(ə-)rē 

plural machineries

1

: machines in general

2

: the working parts of a machine or instrument

3

: the organization or system by which something is done or carried on

machinery of government