engineering

1 of 2

noun

en·​gi·​neer·​ing ˌen-jə-ˈnir-iŋ 

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

engineering

2 of 2

present participle of engineer entry 2

Examples of engineering in a Sentence

Noun

This control panel is a good example of smart engineering.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The engineering challenge is not simply making a railcar electric or autonomous. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026

Nearby, elite engineering school Mines Paris was also disrupted by blockades. — Makini Brice, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026

The spokesperson added that the engineering team is also trying to fix the issue. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026

But the processes around de-extinction are also opening new doors in genome engineering and developmental biology, Lamm said. — Colleen McKown, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing engineering

• biomedical engineering
• chemical engineering
• electrical engineering
• genetic engineering
• geotechnical engineering
• human engineering
• industrial engineering
• knowledge engineering
• mechanical engineering
• prompt engineering
• social engineering
• traffic engineering

Rhymes for engineering

• commandeering
• disappearing
• domineering
• interfering
• overhearing
• persevering
• pioneering
• privateering
• profiteering
• racketeering
• reappearing
• volunteering

Kids Definition

engineering

noun

en·​gi·​neer·​ing ˌen-jə-ˈni(ə)r-iŋ 

: 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)