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

Authorities immediately launched a rescue operation involving firefighters, police, the National Disaster Response Force and civic officials but efforts were hampered by narrow access lanes that prevented the use of heavy machinery, officials said. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026

Businesses and private nonprofits, meanwhile, can borrow up to $2 million for repairing or replacing damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

As these dense swarms drift into coastal waters, intake pumps pull them directly into the cooling machinery. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026

An original elevator still serves every floor—including the attic—for anyone willing to trust 90-year-old machinery. — Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 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