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

Canada is slapping hefty counter-tariffs on farm machinery, such as combine parts, mowing equipment and livestock trailers. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026

Heavy machinery is seen on Monday, March 30, 2026, at the construction site for Core Scientific, a crypto and AI data center company expanding its presence in Dalton, Georgia. — Kristi Swartz, AJC.com, 22 Sep. 2026

The announcements underscore Alibaba's growing push into the machinery behind the AI boom, amid a flurry of AI infrastructure investments by its Western tech peers as the race for computing power intensifies. — Jenny Lee,evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026

The machinery of government moves slowly, and even the newest technology can be slowed down by a rising tide of red tape. — John Ramos, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

machine entry 1 + -ery

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