English Reference
adjective · noun

industrial

adj. · n.
US /ˌɪnˈdəstɹiəɫ/ UK /ɪndˈʌstɹɪəl/ in·dus·tri·al UK spelling industrials

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.relating to factories, the making of goods, or the people who work there.

    adj.pertaining to the production of goods, particularly through large-scale manufacturing and mechanical processes.

    Simple

    The city has a large industrial zone where most of the car factories are located.

    In context

    The government introduced new subsidies to encourage industrial growth in the northern provinces, focusing specifically on sustainable manufacturing technologies.

    manufacturingfactory made
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.very strong, large, or powerful, like the machines used in factories.

    adj.possessing the scale, durability, or power characteristic of machinery used in industry.

    Simple

    We had to use an industrial cleaner to get the oil stains off the garage floor.

    In context

    The facility required an industrial cooling system to prevent the massive server banks from overheating during peak usage hours.

    heavy dutymassive
    flimsysmall scale
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Music

    adj.a style of music that uses harsh, mechanical sounds.

    adj.relating to a genre of experimental music characterized by harsh, transgressive, or mechanical sounds and themes.

    Simple

    He likes listening to industrial music while he works out because of the heavy beat.

    In context

    The band's early work is a seminal example of industrial noise, blending found sounds with distorted electronic rhythms.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical Finance

    n.a company involved in manufacturing, or the stocks and bonds of such a company.

    n.an enterprise engaged in the production of tangible goods, or a security issued by such a corporation.

    Simple

    The stock market fell today, led by a drop in major industrials.

    In context

    Investors shifted their capital from tech startups to reliable industrials as the economic forecast began to favor established manufacturing firms.

    blue chip
  5. 05 C2 Proficiency TechnicalFormal Theatre

    n.a film made for a company to show its workers or customers, not for the public.

    n.a film or video produced for internal use within a specific industry or corporation rather than for general theatrical release.

    Simple

    Before he became famous, the actor worked on an industrial for a tractor company.

    In context

    The production house specializes in high-end industrials designed to train employees on complex safety protocols in chemical plants.

    corporate video
Don't confuse

industrial vs industrious — Industrial describes the systems and machinery of production, while industrious describes a person who works hard.

Usage industrial action · industrial scale · industrial procedure

The Karnaphuli river in Chattogram, Bangladesh, where plastic waste and industrial effluents are dumped every day.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026

It added any patients affected by the industrial action would be contacted directly and an alternative date would be arranged as soon as possible.

BBC News· 25 Jun 2026

From French industriel. By surface analysis, industry + -al.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin French industriel
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated