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

Williams went to Liverpool University as a mature student and studied engineering, with Hemming describing him as "generally a quiet, perhaps even shy, individual".

From BBC

But even before that, city officials knew that getting it done would require extraordinary feats of physical, economic and political engineering.

From The Wall Street Journal

It will be a triumph of engineering—and the final step in the march of chip-industry progress known as Moore’s Law.

From The Wall Street Journal

The goal is to improve the company’s engineering and product capabilities, Ahuja says.

From The Wall Street Journal

That includes professional-services earnings headwinds and increasing exposure to construction work that typically attracts a lower multiple than engineering, Kirby-Lewis says.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• architecture
• design
• metallurgy
• planning