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

Additionally, this ready-to-scale technology works on existing industrial machinery, allowing brands to reduce their footprint immediately, without changing infrastructure. —Lauren Parker, Sourcing Journal, 21 Nov. 2025

Other pictures showed workers lifting the lid of the sarcophagus using heavy machinery, after securing it. —CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025

But in order for the cold to do its thing, the seeds must first absorb some water to get the hormone level machinery in the mood to do its seasonal dance. —Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Nov. 2025

The price increases in these items reflect the struggles farmers have faced over the past year with more expensive fertilizer, fuel, machinery, labor and land, according to the farm bureau federation. —Carlie Procell, USA Today, 21 Nov. 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