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 Africa, construction machinery and green technologies have been key exports, analysts say, while parts of Latin America have seen significant growth in electric vehicles, chemical fertilizers and electronics, among other areas. —Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 15 Nov. 2025

Other items that can easily get wrapped and tangled in machinery include ropes, wires, cords, Christmas lights, hoses, and tarps. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 15 Nov. 2025

What To Know The images, taken by Andrew Leyden at the top of the Washington Monument, show construction crews demolishing the East Wing, with heavy machinery parked outside the White House. —Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Nov. 2025

This product may impair your ability to drive and operate machinery. —Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 14 Nov. 2025

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