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.

---

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

---

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.

---

Other Word Forms

• nonengineering noun
• preengineering adjective

Etymology

Origin of engineering

First recorded in 1710–20; engineer + -ing ¹

Explanation

If you're good at engineering that means you're able to apply scientific or mathematical ideas to real-world projects like designing a bridge, building a radio tower, and of course, designing engines. Think of engineering as the field where science, math, and technology meet. If you like to understand how things work and like building new things even more, then consider going into engineering. The word comes, predictably enough, from the word engine. You wouldn't want a poet designing the engine of your airplane, would you? Me neither.

Example Sentences

Hackers more often break into companies using previously discovered bugs, or by stealing login credentials or using social engineering techniques.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

The university society was established in 2006, mainly by engineering students, with the 100km goal already in mind.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

She then spent an additional $60,000 on surveying, engineering and adding dirt to protect against flooding.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

"They said, well, we don't have bandwidth, we've got to get all this vehicle and engineering data down," Scoville recalled.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

Degree should be in engineering, biological science, physical science, or math.

From "Women in Space" by Karen Bush Gibson

Related Words

• architecture
• design
• metallurgy
• planning