Engine — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈen-jən/ en·gine

Meaning & Definition of Engine

Engine (noun)

  1. a machine for converting any of various forms of energy into mechanical force and motion; also, a mechanism or object that serves as an energy source
  2. a railroad locomotive
  3. something used to effect a purpose, agent, instrument

Engine (verb)

  1. to equip with engines

Engine (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a device that changes energy into mechanical motion

    "a car with a 200-horsepower engine"

    similar: machine, motor
    related: converter, transformer, appliance, mechanism, equipment, tool, mill

Related Entry: Donkey (noun)

Donkey is a different word from Engine. The synonyms below are for donkey, not for engine.

  1. a sturdy and patient domestic mammal that is used especially to carry things

    "we put our bags on the donkey and headed down the canyon"

    similar: ass, burro, jackass, moke (British slang)
    related: jack, jennet, jenny, hinny, mule, pack animal

  2. a stupid person

    "called him a donkey when he refused to go along with their plans"

    similar: airhead, birdbrain, blockhead, bonehead, bubblehead, chowderhead, chucklehead, clodpoll, clot (British), cluck, clunk, cretin, cuddy (British dialect), deadhead, dim bulb (slang), dimwit, dip, dodo, dolt, doofus (slang), dope, dork (slang), dullard, dum-dum, dumbbell, dumbhead, dummkopf, dummy, dunce, dunderhead, fathead, gander, golem, goof, goon, half-wit, hammerhead, hardhead, idiot, ignoramus, imbecile, jackass, know-nothing, knucklehead, lamebrain, loggerhead (chiefly dialect), loon, lump, lunkhead, meathead, mome (archaic), moron, mug (chiefly British), mutt, nimrod (slang), nincompoop, ninny, ninnyhammer, nit (chiefly British), nitwit, noddy, noodle, numskull, oaf, pinhead, prat (British), ratbag (chiefly Australian), saphead, schlub (slang), schnook (slang), simpleton, stock, stupe, stupid, thickhead, turkey, woodenhead, yahoo, yo-yo, dumb cluck
    related: booby, buffoon, fool, goose, loony, madman, nut, zany, loser, gawk, featherbrain, scatterbrain, beast, boor, cad, churl, clown, creep, cur, heel, jerk, skunk, snake, stinker, villain
    opposite: brain, genius
    near: intellect, intellectual, sage, thinker, whiz, wizard, polymath, Renaissance man, sharpie

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Engine

The most common words with a similar meaning to Engine:

machine, motor

Related Words for Engine

converter, transformer, appliance, mechanism, equipment, tool, mill

Word Forms of Engine

Inflections: engined, engining

Derived words: engineless (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Engine

Middle English engin, from Anglo-French, from Latin ingenium natural disposition, talent, from in- + gignere to beget kin

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Engine

Words & Phrases Containing Engine

combustion engine, diesel engine, donkey engine, external combustion engine, fire engine, fire-engine red, heat engine, in-line engine

Frequently Asked Questions about Engine

What does "Engine" mean?

"Engine" means a machine for converting any of various forms of energy into mechanical force and motion; also, a mechanism or object that serves as an energy source. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a machine for converting any of various forms of energy into mechanical force and motion; also, a mechanism or object that serves as an energy source.

What is another word for "Engine"?

Other words for "Engine" include machine and motor. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Engine" you intend.

How do you use "Engine" in a sentence?

Examples of "Engine" in a sentence: "a car with a 200-horsepower engine".

Is "Engine" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Engine" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Engine" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Engine" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Engine"?

"Engine" is pronounced /ˈen-jən/ and divided into syllables as en·gine.

What is the origin of the word "Engine"?

"Engine" comes from Middle English engin, from Anglo-French, from Latin ingenium natural disposition, talent, from in- + gignere to beget kin. First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Engine" meaning "a device that changes energy into mechanical motion"?

When "Engine" (noun) means a device that changes energy into mechanical motion, synonyms include machine and motor.