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

verb (used with object)

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

Words related to engineering

construction, manufacturing, planning, design, architecture, metallurgy, building, handling, systematization, organization, implementing, organizing, structure, blueprinting, structures, surveying

Example sentences from the Web for engineering

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

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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.