What does "manufacture" mean?

1. (to produce industrially) to make goods in large numbers, usually in a factory using machines. 2. (to invent or fake) to invent a story, an excuse, or information that is not true. 3. (the process of making goods) the business or process of producing goods in large amounts. 4. (a manufactured product) something that has been made or produced.

manufacture

v. · n.

US //ˌmænjəˈfæktʃɝ// UK //mˌænjuːfˈæktʃɐ// man·u·fac·ture

1 to produce industrially (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

Example

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

Example

The firm began to manufacture high-precision medical instruments after securing a significant government contract for healthcare infrastructure.
- produce
- mass produce
- construct
- destroy
- dismantle
2 to invent or fake (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal

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

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

Example

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

Example

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

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3 the process of making goods (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the business or process of producing goods in large amounts.

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

Example

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

Example

Strict quality control measures are essential during the manufacture of aerospace components to ensure the safety of the final assembly.
- destruction
4 a manufactured product (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Technical

something that has been made or produced.

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

Example

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

Example

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

Origin

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.