engineer
ehn-zhih-NEER
Engineer (noun) means a person professionally trained to design, build, or maintain machines, structures, or systems. Example: “The bridge was designed by a team of structural engineers.”
noun
1
A person professionally trained to design, build, or maintain machines, structures, or systems.
"The bridge was designed by a team of structural engineers."
"She retrained as a software engineer after ten years in marketing."
"My uncle works as an engineer, designing machines for a car factory."
2
A person who operates an engine, especially the driver of a train (chiefly US) or the operator of a ship's engine room.
"The engineer sounded the horn as the train approached the crossing."
"The engineer in the engine room checked the pressure gauges every hour."
"As a boy, he dreamed of becoming a train engineer and driving across the country."
verb
1
To design, build, or carefully arrange something using skill and planning.
"The whole merger was engineered by a handful of senior executives."
"They engineered a clever workaround for the software bug."
"The architect engineered a roof that could carry heavy snow without any extra supports."
How to use engineer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who applies technical skill to build or fix things, or (as a verb) to cleverly arrange an outcome.
Common mistake
In British English, "engineer" for a train driver is unusual — that sense is mainly American; the UK normally says "train driver".
Common pairings
civil engineer
software engineer
engineer a solution
chief engineer
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Word forms
- Plural
- engineers
- Third person singular
- engineers
- Past tense
- engineered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The bridge was designed by a team of structural _____.
Etymology
From Old French engigneor, "one who builds or operates war machines" — from the same root as "engine" and "ingenious".
Synonyms
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direct
organize
organise
mastermind
orchestrate
technologist
engine driver
applied scientist
railroad engineer
locomotive engineer
Related words
Rhymes for engineer
See all rhymes for engineer →Frequently asked questions
What does “engineer” mean?
The word “engineer” means a person professionally trained to design, build, or maintain machines, structures, or systems. In plain terms, someone who applies technical skill to build or fix things, or (as a verb) to cleverly arrange an outcome.
How do you pronounce “engineer”?
“Engineer” is pronounced ehn-zhih-NEER (/ˌɛnd͡ʒɪˈnɪ(ə)ɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “engineer” in a sentence?
Here is “engineer” used in a sentence: “The bridge was designed by a team of structural engineers.”
What part of speech is “engineer”?
Depending on how it is used, “engineer” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “engineer” come from?
The word “engineer” comes from Old French. From Old French engigneor, "one who builds or operates war machines" — from the same root as "engine" and "ingenious".
Is “engineer” a common word?
“Engineer” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “engineer” have?
“Engineer” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person professionally trained to design, build, or maintain machines, structures, or systems.
What are the main types of engineers?
Engineering has many branches. Civil engineers design roads, bridges, and buildings; mechanical engineers work on machines and engines; electrical engineers handle power and electronics; and chemical engineers develop industrial processes. Newer fields include software, aerospace, biomedical, and environmental engineering. Each applies scientific and mathematical principles to a particular kind of problem.
What is the difference between an engineer and a technician?
An engineer is trained to design and plan machines, structures, or systems, often solving new problems using science and mathematics. A technician typically builds, installs, tests, and maintains what engineers design, applying practical skills and established procedures. Engineers usually focus on design and theory; technicians focus on hands-on implementation.
What does an engineer do?
An engineer applies scientific and mathematical knowledge to design, build, and maintain machines, structures, or systems. Depending on the field, that can mean planning a bridge, developing software, improving an engine, or testing materials. The common thread is solving practical problems and making sure the result is safe, efficient, and reliable.
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