factory

[fak-tuh-ree, -tree]

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.

factory

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• factorylike adjective
• subfactory noun
• factory-like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of factory¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of factory¹

C16: from Late Latin factorium ; see _factor

Example Sentences

While factories produced more, there was a steep rise in unsold inventories.

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U.S. factory activity slipped at a faster pace than expected in November, as businesses continue to face a hit from higher tariffs, according to a survey of manufacturing firms.

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Since the pandemic, Airbus has been battling to rapidly increase output of the aircraft from its factories and fully capitalize on an order book of more than 7,100 of the planes.

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Electric motors were first used in factories in the 1880s, but the productivity benefits didn’t accrue until 30 years later.

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In recent years, hydropower exports have been a key economic driver, while garment factories, electronics assemblers and other light-manufacturing firms have relied on the American market.

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Related Words

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