Showing results for "engineering"

• present participle of engineer.

engineering

American  

[en-juh-neer-ing] / ˌɛn dʒəˈnɪər ɪŋ /

noun

• engineering
  plural

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

Derived Forms

• nonengineering
  noun
• preengineering
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• engineering
  plural

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

See Examples For:

engineering

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent raised expectations for measures next week aimed at engineering the “economic isolation” of Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026

Castillo pledged Thursday to continue her focus on animals and cosmetic genetic engineering.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026

Popular subjects include health and social care, applied science, construction, engineering, business and art and design.

From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2026

Zhu studied electrical engineering at Beijing's elite Tsinghua University and joined the Communist Party in 1949, the same year leader Mao Zedong declared the creation of the "New China".

From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026

“We’re happy here. Oscar got a good job in engineering, which he loves, and he’s earning more than he did in Cuba,” Gladys replies, stroking the gleaming diamond ring on her finger.

From "Lucky Broken Girl" by Ruth Behar

Related Words

• architecture
• design
• metallurgy
• planning