engineering

[ en-juh-neer-ing ]
See synonyms for engineering on Thesaurus.com
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.

  1. Digital Technology. the art or process of designing and programming computer systems: computer engineering;software engineering.

  2. skillful or artful contrivance; maneuvering.

Origin of engineering

1
First recorded in 1710–20; engineer + -ing1

Other words from engineering

  • non·en·gi·neer·ing, noun, adjective
  • pre·en·gi·neer·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for engineering

engineering

/ (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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for engineering

engineering

[ ĕn′jə-nîrĭng ]


  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.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.