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

Storch would scrub pans to the sound of public radio, its volume turned way up to cut through the sounds of machinery. —Dawn Chan, New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2025

Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said New Delhi wants to diversify exports to Russia and increase sales of automobiles, electronics goods, data-processing equipment, heavy machinery, industrial components, textiles and foodstuffs. —Reuters, NBC news, 5 Dec. 2025

Moreover, bilateral trade is heavily skewed in favor of Russia, so New Delhi is now seeking greater market access in Russia, particularly in pharmaceuticals, machinery, and agricultural products. —Harsh V. Pant, Time, 5 Dec. 2025

Those with loved ones at Lafayette Cemetery in Grindstone told KDKA that maintenance crews drove heavy machinery over headstones and graves, cracking some while breaking decorations and damaging American flags. —Erika Stanish, CBS News, 4 Dec. 2025

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