# engineer

/ˈɛndʒəˈnɪɹ/ (US) · /ˌɛndʒɪnˈiə/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. technical professional

noun · CEFR A2

a person whose job is to design, build, or repair machines, engines, or structures like bridges and roads.

For teachers: a professional practitioner qualified in a branch of engineering, such as civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering.

- The software engineer spent the afternoon fixing bugs in the new mobile app.
- The lead structural engineer insisted on conducting additional stress tests before approving the final blueprints for the suspension bridge.

### 2. train driver

noun · CEFR B1 · American English

the person who drives a train engine.

For teachers: the person responsible for operating a locomotive engine.

- The engineer blew the train's whistle as it approached the station.
- The locomotive engineer monitored the pressure gauges closely while navigating the steep mountain pass during the winter storm.

### 3. military specialist

noun · CEFR B2

a soldier who builds or destroys bridges, roads, and other structures during a war.

For teachers: a soldier trained in military engineering tasks, including the construction of fortifications and the clearance of obstacles.

- The army engineers worked quickly to build a temporary bridge across the river.
- Combat engineers were deployed to the front lines to clear the minefield and establish a secure supply route for the infantry.

### 4. to design or build

verb · CEFR B1

to design or build something using scientific or technical skills.

For teachers: to apply engineering principles to the design, construction, or maintenance of a machine or structure.

- The car was engineered to be as light and fast as possible.
- The aerospace firm engineered a new propulsion system that significantly reduced fuel consumption during long-haul flights.

## Examples

- An engineer designs new bridges and roads.
- A team of civil engineers is designing the new high-speed rail line connecting the two cities.
- The lead aerospace engineer had to reconcile the conflicting demands of aerodynamic efficiency and structural integrity for the new aircraft wing.

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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.