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

From customer service and marketing to software engineering and research and development, generative AI is transforming processes by enhancing efficiency and rethinking them entirely. —Tim Bajarin, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025

Regardless, the company’s leaders say these experiments are a promising step toward their goal of engineering mammoth traits into Asian elephants. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Mar. 2025

Ajanta’s caves are known for their vivid murals and Buddha statues, while Ellora is famed for its monolithic rock-cut architecture, notably the Kailasa Temple, which defies engineering logic. —Shalbha Sarda, Architectural Digest, 4 Mar. 2025

Its software is used in performance engineering, modeling and design, supply chain management, predictive and prescriptive maintenance, digital grid management and industrial data management. —Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 1 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)