engineering

[ en-juh-neer-ing ]

noun

1. the art or science of making practical application of the knowledge of pure sciences, as physics or chemistry, as in the construction of engines, bridges, buildings, mines, ships, and chemical plants.
2. the action, work, or profession of an engineer.
3. Digital Technology. the art or process of designing and programming computer systems:

   computer engineering;

   software engineering.

4. skillful or artful contrivance; maneuvering.

engineering

/ ˌɛndʒɪˈnɪərɪŋ /

noun

1. See military engineering
   the profession of applying scientific principles to the design, construction, and maintenance of engines, cars, machines, etc ( mechanical engineering ), buildings, bridges, roads, etc ( civil engineering ), electrical machines and communication systems ( electrical engineering ), chemical plant and machinery ( chemical engineering ), or aircraft ( aeronautical engineering ) See also military engineering

engineering

/ ĕn′jə-nîr′ĭng /

1. The application of science to practical uses such as the design of structures, machines, and systems. Engineering has many specialities such as civil engineering, chemical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Other Words From

• nonen·gi·neering noun adjective
• preen·gi·neering adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of engineering¹

First recorded in 1710–20; engineer + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

As part of the restructuring, Cruise said it would double down on its engineering efforts.

From TechCrunch

By early last year Aurora had lined up multiple partners, raised an impressive war chest and burnished a reputation for having some of the top engineering talent.

From Ozy

Thankfully though, genetic engineering has already shown that we can improve how efficiently these microbes can be used in green recycling.

From Singularity Hub 

So he returned for a dual MBA and master’s in engineering through the Leaders for Global Operations program.

From MIT Technology Review

Since 2004, Brenner has served as a professor of the practice in civil and environmental engineering at Tufts University.

From MIT Technology Review

The Great Lakes states, for example, boast the largest concentration of engineering jobs (more than 318,000) of any major region.

From The Daily Beast

The revival of industry makes such engineering talent critical to regional success.

From The Daily Beast

Pragnell spent three months in Japan engineering prefabricated warehouses.

From The Daily Beast

The income of a software engineering intern at Facebook is comparable, with monthly incomes of over $6,500.

From The Daily Beast

He is also soliciting funds for university fellowships in agronomy and engineering.

From The Daily Beast

This letter indirectly points out two long-standing radical errors in engineering phraseology.

From Project Gutenberg

Or perhaps his knowledge of engineering gives rise to the question, How did it work?

From Project Gutenberg

He hath instructed the said Francisco Uville in the art of making drawings of mines, and in engineering.

From Project Gutenberg

As Sir George Grove said, his organs are celebrated for "their excellent engineering qualities."

From Project Gutenberg

And one would scarcely suspect harum-scarum Bobby Hargrew of engineering such a delicate bit of business.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• architecture
• design
• metallurgy
• planning