engineering

[ en-juh-neer-ing ]

/ ˌɛn dʒəˈnɪər ɪŋ /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR engineering ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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.

the action, work, or profession of an engineer.

Digital Technology. the art or process of designing and programming computer systems: computer engineering; software engineering.

skillful or artful contrivance; maneuvering.

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Origin of engineering

First recorded in 1710–20; engineer + -ing¹

OTHER WORDS FROM engineering

non·en·gi·neer·ing, noun, adjectivepre·en·gi·neer·ing, adjective

Words nearby engineering

engine room, engine turning, engineer, engineer officer, engineer's chain, engineering, engineering geology, engineman, enginery, engird, engirdle

Definition for engineering (2 of 2)

engineer

[ en-juh-neer ]

/ ˌɛn dʒəˈnɪər /

noun

a person trained and skilled in the design, construction, and use of engines or machines, or in any of various branches of engineering: a mechanical engineer; a civil engineer.

a person who operates or is in charge of an engine.

Also called locomotive engineer. Railroads. a person who operates or is in charge of a locomotive.

a member of an army, navy, or air force specially trained in engineering work.

Digital Technology. a person skilled in the design and programming of computer systems: a software engineer; a web engineer.

a skillful manager: a political engineer.

verb (used with object)

to plan, construct, or manage as an engineer: He's engineered several big industrial projects.

to design or create using the techniques or methods of engineering: The motor has been engineered to run noiselessly.

to arrange, manage, or carry through by skillful or artful contrivance: He certainly engineered the election campaign beautifully.

Origin of engineer

1350–1400; engine + -eer; replacing Middle English engin(e)our < Anglo-French engineor Old French engigneor < Medieval Latin ingeniātor, equivalent to ingeniā(re) to design, devise (verbal derivative of ingenium; see engine) + Latin -tor -tor

OTHER WORDS FROM engineer

sub·en·gi·neer, nounun·en·gi·neered, adjectivewell-en·gi·neered, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for engineering

The Great Lakes states, for example, boast the largest concentration of engineering jobs (more than 318,000) of any major region.
The Rustbelt Roars Back From the Dead|Joel Kotkin, Richey Piiparinen|December 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Pragnell spent three months in Japan engineering prefabricated warehouses.
House of the Witch: The Renegade Craft Brewers of Panama|Jeff Campagna|November 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He is also soliciting funds for university fellowships in agronomy and engineering.
Mexico’s Holy Warrior Against the Cartels|Jason McGahan|November 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Soon she caught the eye of the assistant manager, an engineering student at the University of Minnesota.
Gay Talese on Charlie Manson’s Home on the Range|Gay Talese|October 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Yet by equating their engineering with Teutonic rigor the Germans have created the impression of an exclusive proprietary quality.
Nationalism on Four Wheels|Clive Irving|October 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It was one of the engineering wonders of the world, but I fear I did not appreciate it.
Sylvia's Marriage|Upton Sinclair
Thus it will be seen that engineering is a distinctive and important profession.
Opportunities in Engineering|Charles M. Horton
The building of this great military center almost overnight was an engineering feat of no mean magnitude.
Kelly Miller's History of the World War for Human Rights|Kelly Miller
Sir Peter chatted with them for a while, and then buried himself in the "Engineering Review."
Old Valentines|Munson Aldrich Havens
He had said that the next year he was to go to the School of Engineering at the University.
Fairies and Folk of Ireland|William Henry Frost

British Dictionary definitions for engineering (1 of 2)

engineering

/ (ˌɛndʒɪˈnɪərɪŋ) /

noun

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

British Dictionary definitions for engineering (2 of 2)

engineer

/ (ˌɛndʒɪˈnɪə) /

noun

a person trained in any branch of the profession of engineering

the originator or manager of a situation, system, etc

a mechanic; person who repairs or services machines

US and Canadian the driver of a railway locomotive

an officer responsible for a ship's engines

Informal name: sapper a member of the armed forces, esp the army, trained in engineering and construction work

verb (tr)

to originate, cause, or plan in a clever or devious mannerhe engineered the minister's downfall

to design, plan, or construct as a professional engineer

Word Origin for engineer

C14: enginer, from Old French engigneor, from engignier to contrive, ultimately from Latin ingenium skill, talent; see engine

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for engineering

engineering

[ ĕn′jə-nîr′ĭng ]

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.

engineering

noun

QUIZZES

Origin of engineering

OTHER WORDS FROM engineering

Words nearby engineering

Definition for engineering (2 of 2)

noun

verb (used with object)

Origin of engineer

OTHER WORDS FROM engineer

Words related to engineering

Example sentences from the Web for engineering

British Dictionary definitions for engineering (1 of 2)

noun

British Dictionary definitions for engineering (2 of 2)

noun

verb (tr)

Word Origin for engineer

Scientific definitions for engineering