# engine

/ˈɛndʒən/ (US) · /ˈɛndʒɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/engine
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. vehicle motor

noun · CEFR A2

the part of a car or machine that uses fuel to create movement.

For teachers: a machine that converts fuel or electricity into mechanical power to provide motion for a vehicle.

- He opened the hood of the car to check why the engine was making a strange noise.
- The aircraft's primary engine failed shortly after takeoff, forcing the pilot to rely on the secondary power unit for an emergency landing.

### 2. software system

noun · CEFR B1

a computer program that handles a specific task, like searching the internet or running a game.

For teachers: a core software component or hardware system responsible for a specific technical function.

- Most people use a search engine to find information on the web.
- The new graphics engine allows the game to render realistic lighting and shadows in real time without slowing down the performance.

### 3. railway locomotive

noun · CEFR B1

the heavy vehicle at the front of a train that pulls the other cars.

For teachers: a self-powered vehicle used for pulling or pushing freight or passenger cars along a railway track.

- The steam engine pulled the long train slowly out of the station.
- The heavy freight engine struggled to maintain speed while ascending the steep mountain pass with fifty loaded wagons in tow.

### 4. driving force

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a person or thing that provides the energy or power for a project to succeed.

For teachers: a person, group, or entity that acts as a primary source of power, influence, or progress within a larger system.

- Small businesses are often the engine of the country's economy.
- The research department has long been the engine of innovation for the company, producing dozens of patents every year.

### 5. historical weapon

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

a large machine used in old wars to throw stones or break down walls.

For teachers: a large mechanical construction used in historical warfare, such as a catapult or battering ram.

- The army used a massive wooden engine to break through the castle gates.
- The besieging forces constructed formidable engines of war, designed to hurl heavy projectiles over the high stone ramparts of the fortress.

## Examples

- The car stopped because the engine was too hot.
- Most people use a search engine every day to find answers to their questions online.
- The game developers decided to build a custom graphics engine to handle the unique lighting requirements of their open-world environment.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.