the practical application of technical and scientific knowledge to commerce or industry
"The company hired a team of engineers to apply their technical expertise directly to scaling up production for the new manufacturing plant."
the discipline dealing with the art or science of applying scientific knowledge to practical problems
"he had trouble deciding which branch of engineering to study"
a room (as on a ship) in which the engine is located
"The captain ordered the engineer to check for leaks in the engine room before docking."
The application of mathematics and the physical sciences to the needs of humanity and the development of technology.
"The university's new engineering department focuses on applying advanced physics and math to solve real-world energy challenges."
In plain English: Engineering is the practical application of science and math to build useful things.
"The engineering department at the university offers several majors in civil and mechanical fields."
Usage: Use "engineering" to refer to the practical application of scientific knowledge to design, build, and maintain structures, machines, or systems for human use. It describes the field itself rather than the abstract concept of problem-solving in general contexts.
present participle of engineer
"The team was criticized for engineering a scandal to manipulate the stock market before their earnings report."
In plain English: To engineer something means to carefully plan and build it by figuring out how all the parts work together.
"The engineers are working to engineer a solution that will lower the factory's carbon emissions."
Usage: Do not use "engineering" as a verb to mean creating or designing something; that usage is grammatically incorrect and often flagged by editors. Instead, use the noun form "engineering" to describe the process or field, while using verbs like "engineer," "design," or "construct" for actions.
The word engineering comes from combining the noun engineer with the suffix -ing to describe the practice or profession of an engineer. It entered English as a straightforward formation that highlights the act of applying engineering skills.