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machinelike

American  
[muh-sheen-lahyk] / məˈʃinˌlaɪk /

adjective

  1. like a machine, as in regular movement or uniform pattern of operation.

    to conduct business with machinelike efficiency.


Etymology

Origin of machinelike

First recorded in 1690–1700; machine + -like

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That Norwegian, a 25-year-old Viking look-alike named Erling Haaland, is currently on a historic tear through English soccer—even by his own machinelike standards.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

Every facet of his performances was similarly somber and machinelike.

From New York Times • May 3, 2022

He would help symbolize the almost machinelike efficiency of the Yankees in the mid-20th century, when only twice between Ford’s rookie year and 1964 did they fail to make the postseason.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 9, 2020

Robinson has recently shifted his designs from organic to machinelike shapes, as evident in the metal-sided staircase to a loft that he designed for a short-term rental apartment in LeDroit Park.

From Washington Post • Sep. 20, 2016

She made a strange whirring sound and watched wide-eyed as her arm shot out, machinelike, toward Jennifer’s.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray

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