machine
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for machine, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A device with moving parts that uses energy to perform a task.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use machine
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle French machine, from Latin māchina ("device, contrivance"), from Greek māchanā, related to "mechanical."
Full origin of machine →Frequently asked questions
What does “machine” mean?
The word “machine” means a device with moving parts that uses energy to perform a task. In plain terms, a device that does mechanical work — or, by extension, a computer, a vehicle, or a highly efficient organization.
How do you pronounce “machine”?
“Machine” is pronounced muh-SHEEN (/məˈʃin/ in IPA).
How do you use “machine” in a sentence?
Here is “machine” used in a sentence: “The factory installed a new machine to package the products faster.”
What is another word for “machine”?
Words with a similar meaning to “machine” include engine.
What part of speech is “machine”?
Depending on how it is used, “machine” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “machine” come from?
The word “machine” comes from Latin. From Middle French machine, from Latin māchina ("device, contrivance"), from Greek māchanā, related to "mechanical.".
Is “machine” a common word?
“Machine” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “machine” have?
“Machine” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a device with moving parts that uses energy to perform a task.
What is the difference between a machine and a tool?
A tool is usually a simple object you operate by hand, like a hammer or screwdriver, with few or no moving parts. A machine is more complex: it has moving parts and draws on a power source — electricity, fuel, or muscle — to do work. Put simply, machines often power or automate what tools do by hand.
What are the six simple machines?
The six classic simple machines are the lever, the wheel and axle, the pulley, the inclined plane, the wedge, and the screw. Each changes the direction or amount of a force to make work easier. Complex machines, from bicycles to engines, are really combinations of these basic building blocks.
What is an example of a machine?
Everyday examples include a car engine, a washing machine, a drill, and a printer — all devices with moving parts powered by energy to perform a task. Even a simple bicycle counts, since it uses gears, wheels, and levers. Machines range from tiny mechanisms to enormous industrial equipment.