First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1engineer
noun en·gi·neer \ˌen-jə-ˈnir\
: a person who has scientific training and who designs and builds complicated products, machines, systems, or structures : a person who specializes in a branch of engineering
: a person who runs or is in charge of an engine in an airplane, a ship, etc.
: a person who runs a train
Full Definition of ENGINEER
1
: a member of a military group devoted to engineering work
2
obsolete : a crafty schemer : plotter
3
a : a designer or builder of engines b : a person who is trained in or follows as a profession a branch of engineering c : a person who carries through an enterprise by skillful or artful contrivance
4
: a person who runs or supervises an engine or an apparatus
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Origin of ENGINEER
Middle English engineour, from Anglo-French, from enginer to devise, construct, from engin
Related to ENGINEER
- Synonyms
- architect, mastermind
Rhymes with ENGINEER
Agadir, atmosphere, auctioneer, balladeer, bandolier, bathysphere, bayadere, Bedfordshire, Bedivere, belvedere, bend one's ear, biosphere, bombardier, boutonniere, brigadier, buccaneer, budgeteer, Cambridgeshire, cameleer, cannoneer, canyoneer, cassimere, cavalier, chandelier, chanticleer, chevalier, chiffonier, chocolatier, chromosphere, commandeer, corsetiere, crystal clear, cuirassier, Derbyshire, diapir, disappear, domineer, ecosphere, Elzevir, exosphere, fallow deer, fictioneer, financier, fiscal year, fourdrinier, fusilier, gadgeteer, gasolier, gazetteer, ginger beer, Gloucestershire, gondolier, grenadier, Guinevere, hemisphere, Hertfordshire, Holy Year, inner ear, insincere, interfere, in the clear, jardiniere, junketeer, kerseymere, landing gear, lavaliere, marketeer, Meyerbeer, middle ear, missileer, mountaineer, muleteer, musketeer, mutineer, on one's ear, outer ear, overhear, overseer, oversteer, Oxfordshire, pamphleteer, persevere, photosphere, pioneer, pistoleer, privateer, profiteer, puppeteer, racketeer, rocketeer, running gear, scrutineer, sloganeer, sonneteer, souvenir, Staffordshire, steering gear, stratosphere, summiteer, swimmer's ear, thermosphere, troposphere, Tyne and Wear, understeer, vintage year, Vladimir, volunteer, Warwickshire, Windermere, yesteryear
2engineer
verb
: to plan, build, or manage (something) by using scientific methods
: to produce or plan (something) especially in a clever and skillful way
: to change the genetic structure of (a plant or animal)
Full Definition of ENGINEER
transitive verb
1
: to lay out, construct, or manage as an engineer <engineer a bridge>
2
a : to contrive or plan out usually with more or less subtle skill and craft <engineer a business deal> b : to guide the course of <engineer a rally>
3
: to modify or produce by genetic engineering <corn engineered to resist crop pests>
See engineer defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ENGINEER
1843
Related to ENGINEER
- Synonyms
- contrive, finagle, finesse, frame, machinate, maneuver, manipulate, mastermind, negotiate, wangle
Synonym Discussion of ENGINEER
guide, lead, steer, pilot, engineer mean to direct in a course or show the way to be followed. guide implies intimate knowledge of the way and of all its difficulties and dangers <guided the scouts through the cave>. lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order <led his team to victory>. steer implies an ability to keep to a course and stresses the capacity of maneuvering correctly <steered the ship through a narrow channel>. pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course <piloted the bill through the Senate>. engineer implies finding ways to avoid or overcome difficulties in achieving an end or carrying out a plan <engineered his son's election to the governorship>.
ENGINEERED Defined for Kids
1engineer
noun en·gi·neer \ˌen-jə-ˈnir\
Definition of ENGINEER for Kids
1
: a person who designs and builds machinery or technical equipment : a person who studies or works in a branch of engineering <an electrical engineer>
2
: a person who runs or is in charge of a railroad engine or other machinery or technical equipment
2engineer
verb
en·gi·neereden·gi·neer·ing
Definition of ENGINEER for Kids
1
: to plan, build, or manage as an engineer <They engineered a faster race car.>
2
: to plan out in a skillful or clever way : contrive <The general engineered the defeat of the enemy.>
Medical Dictionary
engineer
transitive verb en·gi·neer \ˌen-jə-ˈni(ə)r\
Medical Definition of ENGINEER
: to modify or produce by genetic engineering <insulin made by genetically engineered bacteria—Technical Survey>
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