engineering

noun

en·​gi·​neer·​ing ˌen-jə-ˈnir-iŋ How to pronounce engineering (audio)
Synonyms of engineeringnext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is impressive and could be very significant for industries like aerospace, military, energy, and heavy engineering. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 5 Apr. 2026 The flat logistic curve that makes the rising tide gradual also means the final climb toward 99%-plus reliability is a long one, a meaningful buffer for error-intolerant professions in law, medicine, and engineering. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2026 And the idea of combining gasoline with battery propulsion sounded more like a university engineering experiment than a mainstream vehicle. Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026 Spacecraft interiors, mission protocols and the psychological challenges of long-duration isolation were grounded in actual engineering and psychological research. Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for engineering

Word History

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of engineering was in 1697

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Cite this Entry

“Engineering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/engineering. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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)
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