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

Heavy machinery arrived two hours later to begin the three-day excavation. —Zohreh Saberi, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026

Chicago burns at the time when the machinery to produce brick is perfected. —Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026

The machinery lifts heavy pieces of concrete and rebar. —Anas Baba, NPR, 6 May 2026

Kelly already has support from a majority of the 13 county commissioners to build a complex that would include offices, repair shops and storage for the fleet of Caterpillar generators and heavy machinery that Kelly currently sells and services in Doral. —Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 5 May 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