engineering

American  

[en-juh-neer-ing] / ˌɛn dʒəˈnɪər ɪŋ /

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.

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

• nonengineering noun
• preengineering adjective

Etymology

Origin of engineering

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

Example Sentences

The research brought together experts in engineering, physics, microscopy and cell biology.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

JustPaid co-founder Vinay Pinnaka created a seven-agent AI engineering team that built 10 major features.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

For Cox, who was working full time in engineering and pursuing an MBA while her boyfriend was completing his medical residency, creating an ultra-compacted itinerary was the only possible way to travel.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Yodchanan, a biomedical engineering professor, was also made minister for higher education, science, research and information.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

For five days, girls in fourth grade through seventh grade from all over Brevard County learned all kinds of neat stuff about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas

Related Words

• architecture
• design
• metallurgy
• planning