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

Su has a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a deep understanding of the physics behind her company’s products.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This would come as China’s shipbuilding and marine engineering systems are growing increasingly sophisticated and dominant External link.

Read more on Barron's

This would come as China’s shipbuilding and marine engineering systems are growing increasingly sophisticated and dominant External link.

Read more on Barron's

Musk says Tesla’s edge is that it has the engineering capability to build limbs, AI to run the brains, and the manufacturing know-how to mass-produce the bots.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He resigned as president after a faculty no-confidence vote following his delivery of a speech suggesting the paucity of women in science and engineering might be connected to differences in their aptitude for the subjects.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• architecture 
• design 
• metallurgy 
• planning