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

Ayanna Howard, a roboticist and dean of the Ohio State University’s engineering school, said that the human hand, five fingers and all, isn’t “necessarily the optimal configuration” for a robot.

From MarketWatch

Ayanna Howard, a roboticist and dean of the Ohio State University’s engineering school, said that the human hand, five fingers and all, isn’t “necessarily the optimal configuration” for a robot.

From MarketWatch

Mr Walker's team, together with 26 other engineering firms, are working to design a hand more like ours - it's part of what's known as the Robot Dexterity Programme.

From BBC

Apple has also reportedly done some serious engineering to reduce the unsightly crease down the middle—a longtime complaint with foldables.

From The Wall Street Journal

With the emerging developments in AI and molecular genomics, humankind may soon progress from “received” life, generated by natural engineering, to designing and constructing synthetic life that is disconnected from history and heredity.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• architecture
• design
• metallurgy
• planning