engine Meaning & Definition
What Does Engine Mean?
Engine is used as a noun meaning A large construction used in warfare, such as a battering ram, catapult etc. It is also used to mean A tool; a utensil or implement. As a verb, it means To equip with an engine; said especially of steam vessels. As a verb, it means To rack; to torture.
Engine: Key Facts
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ˈɛnd͡ʒɪn// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | locomotive, locomotive engine and railway locomotive |
| Plural | engines |
| Verb forms | engines, engining, engined |
Engine Definition (Noun)
- A large construction used in warfare, such as a battering ram, catapult etc.
- A tool; a utensil or implement.
- A complex mechanical device which converts energy into useful motion or physical effects.
- A person or group of people which influence a larger group; a driving force.
- The part of a car or other vehicle which provides the force for motion, now especially one powered by internal combustion.
- A self-powered vehicle used for moving cars along a track. A locomotive.
- A locomotive.
- A software or hardware system responsible for a specific technical task (usually with qualifying word).
a graphics engine
- Ingenuity; cunning, trickery, guile.
- The result of cunning; something ingenious, a contrivance; (in negative senses) a plot, a scheme.
- Natural talent; genius.
- Anything used to effect a purpose; any device or contrivance; an agent.
Engine as a Verb
- To equip with an engine; said especially of steam vessels.
Vessels are often built by one firm and engined by another.
- To assault with an engine.
- To contrive; to put into action.
Noun
- A self-powered vehicle, especially a locomotive, used for pulling cars along a track.
Verb
- To rack; to torture.
Synonyms of Engine
Engine synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Engine
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Engine in a Sentence
a graphics engine
a physics engine
Vessels are often built by one firm and engined by another.
Word Forms & Grammar
engine (plural engines)
engine (third-person singular simple present engines, present participle engining, simple past and past participle engined)
Words That Rhyme With Engine
Origin of Engine
From Middle English engyn, from Anglo-Norman engine, Old French engin (“skill, cleverness, war machine”), from Latin ingenium (“innate or natural quality, nature, genius, a genius, an invention, (in Late Latin) a war-engine, battering-ram”), related to ingignō (“to instil by birth, implant, produce in”). Compare gin, ingenious, engineer.
How to Pronounce Engine
Engine is pronounced //ˈɛnd͡ʒɪn// and has 1 syllable.
Engine: Your Questions Answered
Is engine a noun or a verb?
Engine is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for engine?
You can replace engine with words such as locomotive, locomotive engine and railway locomotive. See the full list of engine synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of engine?
The plural of engine is engines.
What is the past tense of engine?
The past tense of engine is engined. The present participle is engining.