English Reference
verb · noun

manufacture

v. · n.
US /ˌmænjəˈfæktʃɝ/ UK /mˌænjuːfˈæktʃɐ/ man·u·fac·ture UK spelling manufactures

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to make goods in large numbers, usually in a factory using machines.

    v.to produce goods on a large scale using machinery and a systematic division of labour. Transitive — requires a direct object.

    Simple

    The company manufactures car parts for several different brands in this factory.

    In context

    The firm began to manufacture high-precision medical instruments after securing a significant government contract for healthcare infrastructure.

    producemass produceconstruct
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    v.to invent a story, an excuse, or information that is not true.

    v.to invent or fabricate information, evidence, or a narrative, often with the intent to deceive. Transitive; carries a derogatory or critical tone.

    Simple

    He had to manufacture an excuse for being late to the wedding.

    In context

    The prosecution argued that the defendant had attempted to manufacture an alibi by persuading his associates to provide false testimony.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the business or process of producing goods in large amounts.

    n.the systematic process of producing goods on a large scale. Often uncountable when referring to the industry or process.

    Simple

    The manufacture of plastic toys has become much cheaper over the last decade.

    In context

    Strict quality control measures are essential during the manufacture of aerospace components to ensure the safety of the final assembly.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced FormalTechnical

    n.something that has been made or produced.

    n.a finished product or something formed by a manufacturing process. Countable; often used in technical or economic contexts.

    Simple

    The country exports many different manufactures, including textiles and electronics.

    In context

    The trade agreement specifically addresses the tariffs placed on foreign manufactures to protect local industrial interests.

History and tradition are, by their nature, impossible to manufacture.

BBC News· 16 Aug 2026

This form of biohacking can turn the host into a biological production system, allowing it to manufacture larger amounts of the desired chemical for further study and development.

ScienceDaily· 3 Aug 2026

From Middle French manufacture, from Old French, from Medieval Latin manūfactūra (“a making by hand”), from manūfactus, a compound of manū factus, manū being ablative of manus (“hand”), and factus past participle of faciō (“to do, make”). Compare manual, facture.

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

This entry
Origin la-med manūfactūra
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated