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

At that particular time — despite the fact that Paul and Linda tried very, very hard to help him — there was no machinery to help him. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 12 Dec. 2024

Calculating the actuals brings in many complications, including the size of the business, type of machinery and local rates and incentives. —Tracy Price, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

The 138-year-old firm also makes a raft of consumer goods, including refrigerators and coffee machines, as well as machinery for other companies. —Anna Cooban, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024

This came in the wake of the Biden administration's announcement of new restrictions on the sale of chips and specialized chip-making machinery and software to China the day before. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1731, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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