machinery

noun

ma·​chin·​ery mə-ˈshē-nə-rē How to pronounce machinery (audio)
-ˈshēn-rē
plural machineries
1
a
: machines in general or as a functioning unit
b
: the working parts of a machine
2
: the means or system by which something is kept in action or a desired result is obtained
the machinery of government

Examples of machinery in a Sentence

Some of the mill's machinery was damaged in the fire. a piece of farm machinery Something was clogging the machinery. The United Nations has set up machinery for mediation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Training programs are particularly important when AI applications on machinery (such as sensors) require employees with no previous experience to interface with the technology. Anthony Milewski, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 The intent of the exercise is to illuminate the sport’s complicated, layered machinery and identify the people who shape the terrain. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2025 Folding treadmills can be difficult to unfold, with the running surface often hitting the ground in a way that can damage the machinery. Clint Davis, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025 But the grand machinery keeping Wall Street moving is just picking up steam. Hugh Son, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for machinery 

Word History

First Known Use

1731, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of machinery was in 1731

Dictionary Entries Near machinery

Cite this Entry

“Machinery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/machinery. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

machinery

noun
ma·​chin·​ery mə-ˈshēn-(ə-)rē How to pronounce machinery (audio)
plural machineries
1
: machines in general
2
: the working parts of a machine or instrument
3
: the organization or system by which something is done or carried on
machinery of government

More from Merriam-Webster on machinery

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