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Added 2 October 2026

engine

/ˈɛnd͡ʒɪn/ noun

Latin root: ingenium Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about engine at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A large construction used in warfare, such as a battering ram, catapult etc. .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}
A tool; a utensil or implement.
A complex mechanical device which converts energy into useful motion or physical effects.

verb

To equip with an engine; said especially of steam vessels.
Vessels are often built by one firm and engined by another.
To assault with an engine.
To contrive; to put into action.

Origin

From Middle English engyn, from Anglo-Norman engine, Old French engin (“skill, cleverness, war machine”), from Latin ingenium (“innate or natural quality, nature, genius, a genius, an invention, (in Late Latin) a war-engine, battering-ram”), related to ingignō (“to instil by birth, implant, produce in”). Compare gin, ingenious, engineer.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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