engineering

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

Examples of engineering in a Sentence

This control panel is a good example of smart engineering.

Recent Examples on the Web

National engineering and design firm Kimley-Horn is working on the Tri-Rail station plan. —Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2025

Frank's chief of engineering, Patrick Vovor, testified at the trial that Javice had asked him to generate synthetic data to support her claim that the company had over 4 million users. —CBS News, 28 Mar. 2025

The Overseas Highway, which literally stretches out and over the open ocean, is considered to be an engineering marvel of concrete and steel. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 26 Mar. 2025

Most of the jobs impacted at the Chula Vista site include corporate roles such as managers and directors related to contracts, engineering and sourcing, as well as a vice president of programs and business development. —Natallie Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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
• 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)