A1noun1K

Machine

UK /["/məˈʃiːn/"]/US /["/məˈʃiːn/"]/

Definition

a piece of equipment with many parts that work together to do a particular task. The power used to work a machine may be electricity, steam, gas, etc. or human power.

In simple words: A machine is a device that uses energy to do work or perform a task.

Examples

  • The machine was broken, so we couldn't finish our work.
  • She used a sewing machine to make a new dress.
  • The coffee machine makes the best espresso in the city.
  • He is a very talented machine operator at the factory.
  • In the contest, he built a machine that can fly.

Usage notes

Use 'machine' for mechanical devices like cars or computers. Avoid using it for living beings or to describe simple tools.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'machine' working hard—like a 'mighty machine' churning away!

Collocations

  • giant
  • great
  • huge
  • operate
  • run
  • use
  • go
  • work
  • break down
  • operator
  • parts
  • tool
  • by machine
  • in a/​the machine
  • on a/​the machine
  • a make of machine
  • party
  • political
  • marketing
  • politician
  • politics
  • a cog in the machine
  • a well-oiled machine

Synonyms

  • device
  • appliance
  • equipment
  • instrument
  • gadget

Antonyms

  • human
  • organism

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'machine' with 'mechanism'—a mechanism is a part of a machine.
  • Using 'machine' to refer to non-mechanical items like software.
  • Overgeneralizing 'machine' to include tools that don't use power.