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

The research brought together experts in engineering, physics, microscopy and cell biology.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

Pinnaka says the creation of his AI agent engineering team followed the natural evolution of Claude Code, which was dramatically improved when Anthropic released the Opus 4.6 model in early February.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

For Cox, who was working full time in engineering and pursuing an MBA while her boyfriend was completing his medical residency, creating an ultra-compacted itinerary was the only possible way to travel.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Yodchanan, a biomedical engineering professor, was also made minister for higher education, science, research and information.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Michael T. Wright, curator of mechanical engineering at London’s Science Museum, spent more than twenty years seeking a solution and in 2006 completed building a working model of how he believed the device worked.

From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler

Related Words

• architecture
• design
• metallurgy
• planning