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

This is because the processing of ingredients and food products involves a lot of machinery that contains plastics. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025

Memory holes make their users part of the machinery. —Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025

As football fans patiently wait the 38 days until the new UFL season kicks off on March 28, there will be two big things to look forward to as the NFL machinery remains in constant motion and barrels into the offseason. —Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025

The loan programs allowed for-profit businesses and private nonprofit organizations to borrow money to fund repairs or to replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery, equipment and inventories. —David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 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