C1noun2K

Machinery

UK /["/məˈʃiːnəri/"]/US /["/məˈʃiːnəri/"]/

Definition

machines as a group, especially large ones

In simple words: Machines and equipment used for doing work.

Examples

  • **agricultural/industrial machinery**
  • a piece of machinery
  • machinery for grinding wheat
  • These workshops were built to house heavy machinery.
  • This car is a pretty sophisticated piece of machinery.
  • a clock with all its machinery hanging out
  • the machinery of government
  • They are faced with the task of dismantling the state machinery in order to create more democratic structures.
  • There is no machinery for resolving disputes.
  • The bumblebee has developed complex machinery for collecting pollen.

Usage notes

Use 'machinery' when discussing industrial equipment or devices. It’s typically not used in casual conversation. Avoid using it when referring to individual machines; instead, use 'machine.'

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'machine' + 'ery' as a factory of machines.

Collocations

  • heavy
  • complex
  • complicated
  • piece
  • maintain
  • repair
  • manufacture
  • machinery for
  • the hum of machinery
  • heavy
  • complex
  • complicated
  • piece
  • maintain
  • repair
  • manufacture
  • machinery for
  • the hum of machinery

Synonyms

  • equipment
  • devices
  • machines
  • apparatus

Antonyms

  • hand tools
  • manual work

Common mistakes

  • Confused machinery with machine; machinery refers to a collection of machines.
  • Using 'machineries' as a plural form, which is incorrect.