factory

American  

[fak-tuh-ree, -tree] / ˈfæk tə ri, -tri /

noun

plural

factories

1. a building or group of buildings with facilities for the manufacture of goods.

2. any place producing a uniform product, without concern for individuality.

   They call it a law school, but it's just a degree factory.

3. (formerly) an establishment for factors and merchants carrying on business in a foreign country.

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factory British  

/ ˈfæktərɪ /

noun

1. 1. a building or group of buildings containing a plant assembly for the manufacture of goods

   2. ( as modifier )

      a factory worker

2. rare a trading station maintained by factors in a foreign country

3. (formerly) a main trading station for the exchange and transshipment of furs

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Other Word Forms

• factory-like adjective
• factorylike adjective
• subfactory noun

Etymology

Origin of factory

From the Medieval Latin word factōria, dating back to 1550–60. See factor, -y ³

Example Sentences

At the time, the received wisdom in F1 was that a team needed to have a factory engine deal to win the championship.

From BBC

Bank of America cautioned that near-term margin pressure could emerge as new factories ramp and operating expenses rise.

From Barron's

"The question is whether there will be enough fuel to keep the world's factory running," he told AFP.

From Barron's

“Optical interconnects and advanced package integration are foundational to the next phase of AI infrastructure, as they unlock ultrahigh-bandwidth, energy-efficient connectivity across AI factories,” Nvidia said in a statement announcing the investments.

From Barron's

“The Triangle Shirtwaist factory went up fast. You need to locate Agent Chris and get back as quickly as possible.”

From Literature

Related Words

• branch
• cooperative
• firm
• industry
• laboratory
• mill
• shop
• workshop