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

Barclays upgrades Cummins to overweight from equal weight Barclays sees several positive catalysts ahead for the machinery industrial stock. —Michael Bloom, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2025

India’s imports are largely coming from China, especially in the areas of machinery, electronics and other intermediate goods. —Hyeran Jo, The Conversation, 18 Dec. 2025

Now, equipped with more efficient machinery, this section of the plant is staffed by just eight. —Sacbee.com, 18 Dec. 2025

However, their rocky, unstable terrain can create safety risks, especially when using heavy transportation machinery. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 17 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