engineering
ehn-zhih-NEER-rihng
Engineering (noun) means the application of science and mathematics to design, build, and maintain machines, structures, and systems. Example: “She studied mechanical engineering at university.”
noun
1
The application of science and mathematics to design, build, and maintain machines, structures, and systems.
"She studied mechanical engineering at university."
"The dam is a remarkable feat of engineering."
"Good engineering means a bridge stays safe for many decades of heavy traffic."
How to use engineering
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe practical science of designing and building things, from bridges to software.
Common pairings
civil engineering
software engineering
feat of engineering
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like engineering.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- engineerings
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She studied mechanical _____ at university.
Etymology
From engineer + the suffix -ing.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for engineering
peering
tapering
lowering
covering
offering
entering
altering
cheering
steering
uttering
ordering
towering
See all rhymes for engineering →
Frequently asked questions
What does “engineering” mean?
The word “engineering” means the application of science and mathematics to design, build, and maintain machines, structures, and systems. In plain terms, the practical science of designing and building things, from bridges to software.
How do you pronounce “engineering”?
“Engineering” is pronounced ehn-zhih-NEER-rihng (/ˌɛn.d͡ʒɪˈnɪ(ə)ɹ.ɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “engineering” in a sentence?
Here is “engineering” used in a sentence: “She studied mechanical engineering at university.”
What part of speech is “engineering”?
“Engineering” is a noun.
Is “engineering” a common word?
“Engineering” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What are the main types of engineering?
The major branches are civil, mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering, alongside newer fields such as software, aerospace, biomedical, and environmental engineering. Each applies science and maths to a particular domain, from bridges and engines to circuits, chemicals, code, and medical devices, but all share a design-focused, problem-solving approach.
What is the difference between engineering and science?
Science seeks to understand how the natural world works through observation and experiment. Engineering applies that knowledge to design and build practical solutions. Put simply, scientists ask why and discover, while engineers ask how and create. The two overlap closely, but their goals differ: understanding versus building something useful.
Is engineering a good career?
Engineering is widely regarded as a stable, well-paid, and respected career with strong demand across many industries. It suits people who enjoy problem-solving, maths, and building things. It can be demanding and usually requires a degree and ongoing learning, but it offers varied paths and the chance to shape the physical world.
What skills do engineers need?
Engineers rely on strong maths and science, analytical thinking, and attention to detail. Increasingly they also need computer and design-software skills, plus communication and teamwork, since projects are collaborative. Creativity matters too, because engineering is about designing workable, efficient solutions to real problems, not merely applying fixed formulas.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include engineering:
