engineering

noun

en·​gi·​neer·​ing ˌen-jə-ˈnir-iŋ 

1

: the activities or function of an engineer

2

a

: the application of science and mathematics by which the properties of matter and the sources of energy in nature are made useful to people

b

: the design and manufacture of complex products

software engineering

3

: calculated manipulation or direction (as of behavior)

social engineering

compare genetic engineering

Examples of engineering in a Sentence

This control panel is a good example of smart engineering.

Recent Examples on the Web

At that time, John Ternus, senior VP of hardware engineering, will become Apple’s next CEO. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026

Effective programs have shown a significant impact in building engineering pipelines, resulting in high numbers of full-time, highly skilled hires. —Mike Kelleher, Baltimore Sun, 30 Apr. 2026

Ahmed Banafa, an engineering professor at San Jose State University, said the rules could force companies to improve. —Kenny Choi, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026

In all, Amazon’s new feature is a hellish experiment in engineering just about the most disingenuous content imaginable. —Frank Landymore, Futurism, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing engineering

• biomedical engineering
• chemical engineering
• electrical engineering
• genetic engineering
• geotechnical engineering
• human engineering
• industrial engineering
• knowledge engineering
• mechanical engineering
• social engineering
• traffic engineering

Rhymes for engineering

• commandeering
• disappearing
• domineering
• interfering
• overhearing
• persevering
• pioneering
• privateering
• profiteering
• racketeering
• reappearing
• volunteering

Kids Definition

engineering

noun

en·​gi·​neer·​ing ˌen-jə-ˈni(ə)r-iŋ 

: the science or profession of developing and using nature's power and resources in ways that are useful to people (as in designing and building roads, bridges, dams, or machines and in creating new products)