noun

machinery

Machines considered together, or an organized system for accomplishing something.

Workers inspect the factory's machinery before each shift begins.

Etymology

The ending groups machines into a collective whole. From physical equipment working together, machinery extends to an organized system that produces a result.

More examples

  • Heavy machinery clears the land for a new road.
  • Farmers rely on machinery to harvest large fields quickly.
  • The machinery of government keeps running during the transition.

Forms

machine noun — A device that performs a task.

Similar words

equipment
Includes tools and supplies as well as machines.
system
Emphasizes coordinated parts or procedures rather than physical machines.