engineering

American  

[en-juh-neer-ing] / ˌɛn dʒəˈnɪər ɪŋ /

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.

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engineering British  

/ 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

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engineering Scientific  

/ 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.

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Other Word Forms

• nonengineering noun
• preengineering adjective

Etymology

Origin of engineering

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

Example Sentences

The National Trust has described this project as "a bold marine engineering feat".

From BBC

Wiring and signal delivery remain major engineering challenges, since most platforms still rely on individual control lines for each qubit.

From Science Daily

Highway 1’s future “is an engineering and political and financial will question more than anything.”

From Los Angeles Times

“They talked about engineering high-tech uniforms for them...so yeah...lots of super-spy soldier stuff.”

From Literature

Trying to follow that dream was a long process because I was studying electrical engineering, which had nothing to do with music.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• architecture
• design
• metallurgy
• planning