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

China’s surplus with the European Union widened 24% in the first half, according to Larry Hu, chief China economist at Macquarie, driven by machinery and vehicle shipments. — Anniek Bao,evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 15 July 2026

That’s a clear path forward in an industry scrambling to foster a connection between digital-first creators and traditional Hollywood machinery. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 15 July 2026

However, the budget did not remove exemptions on the purchases of equipment, machinery and other investments made by data centers. — Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026

The noise of heavy machinery drifts up into the still morning air. — Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 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