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 top-performing subsectors were banks, machinery, and consumer staples. —Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

But cars, semis, boats, aircraft, terrestrial and extraterrestrial off-roaders, and machinery of war? —New Atlas, 19 Dec. 2024

Activities like outdoor burning or operating machinery that could cause sparks are often discouraged during these warnings. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

Trump kicked off a trade war in 2018 by imposing 25% tariffs on imports from China — including industrial machinery, cars, auto parts and television cameras. —Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 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