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

Example Sentences

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

The researchers in his nanoscience lab at the University of Central Florida had already worked out the kinks in the high-end machinery needed to create a revolutionary new kind of cooling paint. —WIRED, 22 Mar. 2023

Improvements to machinery and equipment also have the potential to help your facility use less energy over time and improve productivity. —Cory White, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2023

But China has thrown the Kremlin an economic lifeline by buying Russian energy, replacing Western suppliers of machinery and base metals among other products, and providing an alternative to the US dollar. —Olesya Dmitracova, CNN, 3 Mar. 2023

China exported more machinery and semiconductors, too. —Weiyi Cai, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2023

In farm machinery, John Deere and Kubota account for about a third of the market. —The Conversation, Fortune, 22 Feb. 2023

Humanitarian groups say the delay severely hampered efforts to pull people out of the rubble alive; even now, Syrians are waiting for the types of heavy machinery and specialized tools available on the Turkish side of the border. —Anchorage Daily News, 14 Feb. 2023

Lack of heavy machinery and other equipment often forced rescuers to clear rubble with their bare hands. —John Bacon, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2023

The company said demand for its construction and mining machinery and engines remained strong, especially in North America, as sales for the quarter were higher than expected. —Bob Tita And Will Feuer, WSJ, 31 Jan. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1687, 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