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

Liquefaction facilities, meanwhile, are highly specialized engineering megaprojects that take years to construct and significantly longer to repair than conventional oil fields.

From The Wall Street Journal

“In most cases, these things are just prompt engineering. It’s very sophisticated engineering, but it’s not like they are making a special new tech.”

From MarketWatch

The survey found the war was particularly hitting energy-intensive industries, which include the automotive, chemical, pharmaceutical and mechanical engineering sectors.

From The Wall Street Journal

The venue hosts gigs but also runs music education programmes, training people for careers in jobs like sound engineering.

From BBC

Gemini didn’t warn me about weekend engineering work until it was too late.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• architecture
• design
• metallurgy
• planning