engineering

engineering — noun

1. the use of scientific knowledge and mathematics to design, build, and maintain m

1.nounB1
Definition

the use of scientific knowledge and mathematics to design, build, and maintain machines, roads, bridges, electrical systems, and other large structures or products

Example

Andrés decided to study engineering at university after building a small robot at home.

The bridge collapsed because of a serious error in the engineering design.

collocation: engineering design

Common collocations
  • engineering design
  • engineering project
  • engineering degree
  • engineering firm
  • engineering student
  • mechanical engineering
  • civil engineering
  • electrical engineering
  • software engineering
Synonyms
  • technology

    Broader in scope; technology covers all tools and methods, whereas engineering specifically focuses on designing and building practical systems.

  • design

    Narrower; design is one stage within engineering and does not include construction, testing, or maintenance.

  • applied science

    More formal; used when emphasising the theoretical basis of engineering work.

Grammar Patterns

branch of + engineering

engineering + noun (attributive)

Usage Note

Engineering is an uncountable noun and does not usually have a plural form. To refer to a specific branch, place an adjective before it (civil engineering, software engineering, environmental engineering).

Common Mistakes

I studied an engineering at university.
I studied engineering at university.
Engineering is uncountable and cannot follow 'a' or 'an'.
She works in different engineerings.
She works in different fields of engineering.
The word itself is not used in the plural.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Engineering, technology, and design overlap but serve different roles. Engineering focuses on the systematic application of scientific and mathematical principles to build practical solutions — bridges, software, power grids. Technology is the broader category that includes all tools, machines, and methods people use, whether or not they involve scientific design. Design is a narrower activity within engineering (and other fields) that concentrates on planning the look and function of a product, without necessarily covering construction or maintenance. Applied science is the most formal term and emphasises the theoretical foundation. For example: 'The engineering team used new materials to make the car lighter' (focus on building); 'The company invested in the latest technology' (focus on tools); 'The industrial design of the chair won an award' (focus on planning).

engineering ↗technology ↗design ↗applied science

Common collocations

Nouns

  • engineering degree
  • engineering firm
  • engineering project
  • engineering student
  • engineering design
  • engineering team
  • engineering department

Phrases

  • civil engineering
  • mechanical engineering
  • electrical engineering
  • software engineering
  • chemical engineering
  • environmental engineering
  • biomedical engineering

Prepositions

  • in engineering
  • of engineering

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'engineering' comes from the Latin 'ingenium', meaning 'natural ability, cleverness, or skill'. In medieval times an 'engineer' was someone who designed and built military engines such as catapults and siege towers. During the 1700s, as the Industrial Revolution transformed society, the term broadened to cover the design of roads, canals, bridges, and steam engines. Modern usage now includes any profession that applies scientific principles to create practical systems, from computer chips to power plants.