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

Their windows and tools in their garage often vibrate with the hum of machinery at the nearby well pad. —Sean Keane, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024

The top-performing subsectors were base metals, marine industry, and construction machinery. —Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

That fight demands mounds of smart, cheap machinery. —Colin Demarest, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024

Attendees were given tours of the facility’s training areas, where machinery sat in neat rows under bright lights. —Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 29 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