engineering

1 of 2

noun

en·​gi·​neer·​ing ˌen-jə-ˈnir-iŋ How to pronounce engineering (audio)
Synonyms of engineeringnext
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

engineering

2 of 2

present participle of engineer entry 2

Examples of engineering in a Sentence

Noun This control panel is a good example of smart engineering.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Bartko, who earned degrees in civil engineering and law in Belarus, fled her home country on a student visa to avoid political persecution over her vocal opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026 Priti Kharel stood outside the entrance to the army barracks, holding a poster with a picture of her brother, Milan Kharel, who works as an engineering geologist at Doosan Enerbility. — Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026 That personal expedition snowballed into an association, The Sun Trip, dedicated to promoting renewable energy, sustainable transport, and grassroots engineering through long-distance cycling expeditions. — New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026 From Engineer To Operator How much FDE an organization needs versus traditional engineering is already being debated. — Lutz Finger, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for engineering

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of engineering was in 1697

Phrases Containing engineering

Rhymes for engineering

See All Rhymes for engineering

Browse Nearby Words

engineer boot
engineering
engineering geology
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Engineering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/engineering. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

engineering

noun
en·​gi·​neer·​ing ˌen-jə-ˈni(ə)r-iŋ How to pronounce engineering (audio)
: 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)

More from Merriam-Webster on engineering

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for engineering

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about engineering

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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