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

• agency
• agent
• instrument
• instrumentality
• means
• medium
• ministry
• organ
• vehicle

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

The work of running a port is a constant maintenance of channels, breakwaters, bridges, and the machinery of seagoing commerce. —Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025

Thus the machinery of control remains, ready to be reignited by the next administration eager for intervention. —Alejandro Antonio Chafuen, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

For the chemicals industry—so deeply embedded in the machinery of global trade—2025 is a reckoning. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025

The practice of deep-sea mining involves using machinery to remove minerals and metals — such as cobalt, nickel, copper and manganese — from the seabed. —Sam Meredith, CNBC, 15 May 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