Engineer

Pronunciation

• GenAm IPA: /ËŒendʒɪˈnɪr/
• RP IPA: /ËŒendʒɪˈnɪə/
• Rhymes: -ɪə(r)
• Rhymes: -ɪə(ɹ)

Origin

From Middle English engineour, from Old French engigneor, from Medieval Latin ingeniarius (""), from ingenium ("an engine"), from in ("in") + gignere ("to beget, produce"), Old Latin genere; see ingenious. Or from engine + -eer.

Full definition of engineer

Noun

1. A person who is qualified or professionally engaged in any branch of engineering.
2. (chiefly American) A person who operates an engine (such as a locomotive).

Usage notes

Adjectives often applied to "engineer": mechanical, electrical, civil, architectural, environmental, mechatronics, industrial, optical, nuclear, structural, chemical, military, electronic, professional, chartered, licensed, certified, qualified.

Related terms

• engine
• ingenious
• ingeniosity
• genius

Verb

1. (transitive) To design, construct or manage something as an engineer.
2. (transitive) To alter or construct something by means of genetic engineering.
3. (transitive) To plan or achieve some goal by contrivance or guile; to wangle or finagle.