engineering

noun

en·​gi·​neer·​ing ˌen-jə-ˈnir-iŋ How to pronounce engineering (audio)
1
: the activities or function of an engineer
2
a
: the application of science and mathematics by which the properties of matter and the sources of energy in nature are made useful to people
b
: the design and manufacture of complex products
software engineering
3
: calculated manipulation or direction (as of behavior)
social engineering
compare genetic engineering

Examples of engineering in a Sentence

This control panel is a good example of smart engineering.
Recent Examples on the Web Does other fields mean acting or, like, engineering? Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Sep. 2023 After studying engineering at the University of Waterloo, Mehta spent two years working on supply-chain logistics at Amazon.com Inc. before deciding to leave and build a company. Biz Carson, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2023 Since then, Mandiant has watched that USB-hacking campaign ramp up and infect new victims as recently as this month, stretching across consulting, marketing, engineering, construction, mining, education, banking, and pharmaceuticals, as well as government agencies. WIRED, 19 Sep. 2023 Standard Lithium plans to do a front-end engineering design and definitive feasibility study for the site next year and to begin construction in 2025. Aaron Gettinger, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2023 The idea of planet-scale engineering didn't gain much traction over the next two decades. Douglas Fox, Scientific American, 19 Sep. 2023 In postwar Europe, given the choice of returning to Poland or going to England, Dr. Bussgang picked the latter and received a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of London. Bryan Marquard, BostonGlobe.com, 17 Sep. 2023 Indian engineering group Larsen and Toubro is constructing the temple on a 2.67 acre (1.08 hectares) site within a 70-acre (28 hectares) complex, Misra said, adding artists from across the country have been selected to create artwork and murals that showcase the country’s diversity. Rhea Mogul, CNN, 16 Sep. 2023 Yacko was busy as an engineering manager, while Gilliard worked for a New York utility company. Cathy Free, Washington Post, 15 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'engineering.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of engineering was in 1697

Dictionary Entries Near engineering

Cite this Entry

“Engineering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/engineering. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.

Kids Definition

engineering

noun
en·​gi·​neer·​ing ˌen-jə-ˈni(ə)r-iŋ How to pronounce engineering (audio)
: the science or profession of developing and using nature's power and resources in ways that are useful to people (as in designing and building roads, bridges, dams, or machines and in creating new products)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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