plural machines
1
: a piece of equipment with moving parts that does work when it is given power from electricity, gasoline, etc.
Shovels are tools; bulldozers are machines.
Do you know how to operate/use/run this machine?
The machine is working/running properly.
The machine is broken.
machine-sorted mail [=mail that is sorted by using a machine]
a fax/copy/exercise machine
a coffee/soda/ice/cash machine [=a machine from which you can get coffee/soda/ice/cash]
—often used to refer informally to a specific type of machineAre there any new messages on the machine? [=on the answering machine]
I have a load of laundry in the machine. [=in the washing machine]
I'm having software problems on my machine. [=computer]
2
informal
: a vehicle (such as a car or motorcycle)
He was bragging about his new machine.
3
a
: a person or group that does something efficiently, quickly, or repeatedly like a machine
The coach turned the team into a scoring machine.
My younger brother is an eating machine.
a publicity machine
b
: a powerful and well-organized group
a politician who dared to challenge the local party machine
a powerful war machine
Their army is a well-oiled machine.
machines; machined; machining
: to shape (something) by using a machine
The parts of the engine have been precisely machined.
Cite this Entry
“Machine.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/machine. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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