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

• 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

Using drones also allows the site to be surveyed while remaining undisturbed and without the need for any heavy machinery. —Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025

The capacity expansion is courtesy of new RFID production machinery that is five times faster than what the facility previously used. —Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 14 Aug. 2025

There’s no need to boil a kettle in an already stuffy kitchen, no fussy pour-over rituals, no expensive machinery or pods to purchase, and, surprisingly, no specialized cold-brew equipment required. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2025

Technological Development: SMEs, especially in Italy, are rapidly embracing new technologies—both in terms of advanced machinery and digital transformation. —Andrea Pietrini, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 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