manufacture

1 of 2

noun

man·​u·​fac·​ture ˌman-yə-ˈfak-chər 

ˌma-nə-

1

: something made from raw materials by hand or by machinery

imports most manufactures used by consumers

—D. L. Cohn

2

a

: the process of making wares by hand or by machinery especially when carried on systematically with division of labor

the manufacture of automobiles

b

: a productive industry using mechanical power and machinery

3

: the act or process of producing something

the manufacture of blood goes on constantly in the human body

—Morris Fishbein

manufacture

2 of 2

verb

manufactured; manufacturing ˌman-yə-ˈfak-chə-riŋ 

-ˈfak-shriŋ,

ˌma-nə-

transitive verb

1

: to make into a product suitable for use

2

a

: to make from raw materials by hand or by machinery

b

: to produce according to an organized plan and with division of labor

c

: prefabricate

a manufactured home

3

: invent, fabricate

known to manufacture evidence

4

: to produce as if by manufacturing : create

writers who manufacture stories for television

intransitive verb

: to engage in manufacture

manufacturability

ˌman-yə-ˌfak-chə-rə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

-ˌfak-shrə-ˈbi-

ˌma-nə-

noun

manufacturable

ˌman-yə-ˈfak-chə-rə-bəl 

-ˈfak-shrə-bəl

ˌma-nə-

adjective

manufacturing noun

Synonyms

Verb

• produce
• make

Examples of manufacture in a Sentence

Noun

materials used in the manufacture of cars

We're developing new methods of paper manufacture.

Verb

materials used in manufacturing cars

a company that manufactures wool and cotton clothing

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Many of these same countries impose significant restrictions on pharmaceuticals and medical devices, products the manufacture of which the United States excels. —Ken Roberts, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025

In the commercial manufacture of albumen paper, the quantities of egg use were staggering. —Anika Burgess july 17, Literary Hub, 17 July 2025

Verb

Two of Europe's largest, most important RV manufacturing groups, Knaus Tabbert and Erwin Hymer Group often jostle for the buzziest design of the annual Düsseldorf Caravan Salon. —New Atlas, 19 July 2025

The distinction lies in intent: arbitrage exploits inefficiencies; manipulation tries to manufacture them. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 18 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

Middle French, from Medieval Latin manufactura, from Latin manu factus, literally, made by hand

First Known Use

Noun

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1648, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing manufacture

• pre-manufacture

Rhymes for manufacture

• contracture
• facture
• fracture

Kids Definition

manufacture

1 of 2 noun

man·​u·​fac·​ture ˌman-(y)ə-ˈfak-chər 

1

: something made from raw materials

2

: the making of products by hand or machinery

3

: production sense 2

the manufacture of blood in the body

manufacture

2 of 2 verb

manufactured; manufacturing

-ˈfak-chə-riŋ,

-ˈfak-shriŋ

1

: to make into a product suitable for use

manufacture wool

2

: to make from raw materials by hand or by machinery

3

: to make up sometimes with the intention of misleading

manufacturing noun

Etymology

Noun

from early French manufacture "something made," from Latin manufactus "made by hand," from earlier manu "by hand" (from manus "hand") and factus, past participle of facere "to make, do" — related to factory, fashion, manage, manual