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. 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

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 Word Forms

• nonengineering noun
• preengineering adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of engineering¹

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

Example Sentences

The research demonstrates not just clever engineering, but also the potential of diamonds beyond jewelry.

From Science Daily

After studying engineering and economics in Berlin, he returned home to serve as Haiti’s minister of culture in the 1990s.

From Los Angeles Times

Industry analysts expressed concerns that if companies started to go bankrupt, a trickle could soon become a flood – potentially causing permanent damage to the country's advanced engineering industry.

From BBC

Trains with such windows have since been withdrawn from service or fitted with engineering controls to prevent windows being opened while trains are moving.

From BBC

The allegations centre on claims Jalal had illegally accessed a computer owned by an engineering business and tricked Hearts into paying him money owed to the company.

From BBC

Related Words

• architecture 
• design 
• metallurgy 
• planning