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 of machinery

• instrumentality
• vehicle
• instrument
• means
• agent
• mechanism
• organ

Examples of machinery in a Sentence

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

In a strange twist, the potential buyer reportedly smelled a rat and reached out to someone with the company, to make sure the machinery hadn’t been stolen. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 25 June 2026

Kyodo News agency reported that the two Japanese nationals are employees of a major Japanese machinery maker, and one of them works at its Chinese subsidiary. — ABC News, 24 June 2026

Who wants a pool party surrounded by trash cans, laundry hampers, or the machinery that keeps the water fine? — Jesse Dorris, Architectural Digest, 23 June 2026

Over the next few years, however, the Canucks must operate with an eye toward selling these veteran players when their value is at its highest for the sort of future assets that, instead of holding down the next great Canucks team, can give the machinery of the next great Canucks team a boost. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 23 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1731, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for machinery

• deanery
• greenery
• scenery
• turbomachinery

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