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

Wheels appear in countless places beyond just vehicles—on machinery, office chairs, toys, suitcases, and more. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

Biden has championed the CHIPS and Science Act, which is designed to rejuvenate America's role in producing semiconductors, which power all sorts of modern appliances, equipment and machinery. —Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 17 Oct. 2024

Anyone involved in outdoor activities should carry water and extinguish sparks from muzzleloader guns or machinery, the department said. —Amir Mahmoud, arkansasonline.com, 17 Oct. 2024

While organisms have evolved and diversified, their RNA-reading machinery has largely stayed the same. —Annie Melchor, WIRED, 13 Oct. 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