plural engineers
1
: a person who has scientific training and who designs and builds complicated products, machines, systems, or structures : a person who specializes in a branch of engineering
Design engineers are working on ways to make the cars run more efficiently.
a mechanical/civil/electrical engineer
a software engineer
2
a
: a person who runs or is in charge of an engine in an airplane, a ship, etc.
a flight engineer
b
US
: a person who runs a train
The engineer stopped the train.
c
British
: a person who is trained to repair electrical or mechanical equipment
The telephone engineer [=(US) repairman] soon got my phone working again.
3
: a soldier who builds roads, bridges, etc.
Army engineers were called in to construct the canal.
engineers; engineered; engineering
1
: to plan, build, or manage (something) by using scientific methods
—usually used as (be) engineered
The system is engineered [=designed] for maximum efficiency.
a well-engineered highway
engineered materials
2
: to produce or plan (something) especially in a clever and skillful way
a brilliantly engineered [=crafted] plan
She managed to engineer [=finagle] a deal.
The rebels engineered a successful attack.
3
technical
: to change the genetic structure of (a plant or animal)
—usually used as (be) engineered
These soybeans were engineered for greater yield.
genetically engineered crops
Cite this Entry
“Engineer.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/engineer. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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