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

• agency
• agent
• instrument
• instrumentality
• means
• medium
• ministry
• organ
• vehicle

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

Around 2014, though, the two men started clashing over use of Morne Rouge Road, which Lehrer claims wasn’t built to withstand the tread of heavy machinery and tour buses; Lehrer’s family sent me a video of a work truck clipping the ruins surrounding the estate in 2016. —Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2024

Among the machinery are some pieces of equipment that cannot be found anywhere else, such as the cantle disher, which was used to shape the rear part of each saddletree. —Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 11 July 2024

Innovative technologies and products, including machinery, were on display at GFT. —Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 5 July 2024

The corridor also allows guests to appreciate all the high-tech machinery in the viewable engine room. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 28 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1731, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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