Machinery vs. Machine: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Machinery refers to a collection of machines or their parts, whereas a machine is a single device performing a specific task.
Key Differences
Machinery encompasses an entire system or collection of mechanical components, often used in industrial or manufacturing settings. In contrast, a machine is an individual unit or device, designed to perform a particular function or task.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
The term machinery often implies a larger, more complex setup, possibly comprising multiple machines. On the other hand, a machine can be as simple as a household appliance or as complex as a computer, but it remains a singular entity.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
In usage, machinery can also metaphorically refer to the mechanisms of an organization or system, indicating the moving parts that make it function. A machine, however, typically refers to a tangible, physical object.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
When discussing maintenance or operations, machinery refers to the overall system that may need attention or repair. In contrast, maintenance of a machine focuses on the specific device and its functionality.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Machinery can denote the collective capability of machines in a given context, like factory machinery. In contrast, speaking of a machine usually refers to an individual unit, capable of performing a distinct role within a larger system.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
A collection of machines or their parts
A single device performing a task
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Role in a Larger System
Collective capability of all machines
Specific role of a single unit
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Machinery and Machine Definitions
Machinery
Mechanical Components
Agricultural machinery has evolved significantly over the years.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Machinery
Operational System of an Organization
The company's administrative machinery is quite efficient.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Machine
Simple Tool
A sewing machine can be a valuable tool for home tailoring.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Machinery
Industrial Equipment
Regular maintenance of the machinery is crucial for safety.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Machine
Complex Apparatus
The MRI machine is essential for detailed medical imaging.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Machinery
Collective Mechanical Capability
The construction project required heavy machinery.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Machine
A device consisting of fixed and moving parts that redirects mechanical energy to accomplish a particular task or set of tasks.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machinery
A system of related elements that operate in a definable manner
Diplomatic and political machinery.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
A system or device for doing work, as an automobile or jackhammer, together with its power source and auxiliary equipment.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
A system or device, such as a computer, that performs or assists in the performance of a human task
The machine is down.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machinery
A literary device for bringing about an effect, such as a happy ending.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machinery
The machines constituting a production apparatus, in a plant etc., collectively.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
An organized group of people whose members are or appear to be under the control of one or more leaders
A political machine.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machinery
The collective parts of something which allow it to function.
All of the machinery of the law was brought to bear on the investigation.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
A device used to produce a stage effect, especially a mechanical means of lowering an actor onto the stage.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machinery
(figuratively) The literary devices used in a work, notably for dramatic effect
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
A literary device used to produce an effect, especially the introduction of a supernatural being to resolve a plot.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machinery
The working parts of a machine, engine, or instrument; as, the machinery of a watch.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
Of, relating to, or felt to resemble a machine
Machine repairs.
Machine politics.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machinery
The supernatural means by which the action of a poetic or fictitious work is carried on and brought to a catastrophe; in an extended sense, the contrivances by which the crises and conclusion of a fictitious narrative, in prose or verse, are effected.
The machinery, madam, is a term invented by the critics, to signify that part which the deities, angels, or demons, are made to act in a poem.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machinery
The means and appliances by which anything is kept in action or a desired result is obtained; a complex system of parts adapted to a purpose.
An indispensable part of the machinery of state.
The delicate inflexional machinery of the Aryan languages.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
To be cut, shaped, or finished by machine
This metal machines easily.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
A device that directs and controls energy, often in the form of movement or electricity, to produce a certain effect.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machinery
A system of means and activities whereby a social institution functions;
The complex machinery of negotiation
The machinery of command labored and brought forth an order
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
(dated) A vehicle operated mechanically, such as an automobile or an airplane.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machinery
Complex Systems
The factory's machinery was overhauled to improve efficiency.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Machine
An answering machine or, by extension, voice mail.
I called you earlier, but all I got was the machine.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
(computing) A computer.
Game developers assume they're pushing the limits of the machine.
He refuses to turn off his Linux machine.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
(figuratively) A person or organisation that seemingly acts like a machine, being particularly efficient, single-minded, or unemotional.
Bruce Campbell was a "demon-killing machine" because he made quick work of killing demons.
The government has become a money-making machine.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
Especially, the group that controls a political or similar organization; a combination of persons acting together for a common purpose, with the agencies which they use.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
(poetry) Supernatural agency in a poem, or a superhuman being introduced to perform some exploit.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
The system of special interest groups that supports a political party, especially in urban areas.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
(historical) A contrivance in the Ancient Greek theatre for indicating a change of scene, by means of which a god might cross the stage or deliver a divine message; the deus ex machina.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
To shape or finish by machinery; (usually, more specifically) to shape subtractively by metal-cutting with machine-controlled toolpaths.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
In general, any combination of bodies so connected that their relative motions are constrained, and by means of which force and motion may be transmitted and modified, as a screw and its nut, or a lever arranged to turn about a fulcrum or a pulley about its pivot, etc.; especially, a construction, more or less complex, consisting of a combination of moving parts, or simple mechanical elements, as wheels, levers, cams, etc., with their supports and connecting framework, calculated to constitute a prime mover, or to receive force and motion from a prime mover or from another machine, and transmit, modify, and apply them to the production of some desired mechanical effect or work, as weaving by a loom, or the excitation of electricity by an electrical machine.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
Any mechanical contrivance, as the wooden horse with which the Greeks entered Troy; a coach; a bicycle.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
A combination of persons acting together for a common purpose, with the agencies which they use; as, the social machine.
The whole machine of government ought not to bear upon the people with a weight so heavy and oppressive.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
A political organization arranged and controlled by one or more leaders for selfish, private or partisan ends; the Tammany machine.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
Supernatural agency in a poem, or a superhuman being introduced to perform some exploit.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
To subject to the action of machinery; to make, cut, shape, or modify with a machine; to effect by aid of machinery; to print with a printing machine.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
Any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
An intricate organization that accomplishes its goals efficiently;
The war machine
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
4-wheeled motor vehicle; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine;
He needs a car to get to work
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
A group that controls the activities of a political party;
He was endorsed by the Democratic machine
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
A device for overcoming resistance at one point by applying force at some other point
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
Make by machinery;
The Americans were machining while others still hand-made cars
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Machine
Automated Mechanism
This coffee machine makes an excellent espresso.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is machinery used only in industrial contexts?
Mostly, but it can also refer to systems in other contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can a computer be considered a machine?
Yes, a computer is a type of machine.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can machinery be used in a non-literal sense?
Yes, it can describe the working parts of an organization.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Is machinery always larger than a machine?
Not necessarily larger, but machinery refers to a system of machines or parts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can a machine be part of machinery?
Yes, a machine is often a component of larger machinery.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Does machinery refer only to mechanical systems?
Primarily, but it can also metaphorically refer to organizational systems.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Is a toaster an example of a machine?
Yes, a toaster is a simple household machine.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can a machine operate independently?
Yes, a machine is designed to function as an independent unit.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Is machinery always made up of multiple machines?
Typically, yes, it refers to a collection or system of machines.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Is a smartphone considered a machine?
Yes, it's a compact, multifunctional machine.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can a single device be called machinery?
Not typically, as machinery implies a system or collection.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Do we use machinery to describe digital systems?
It's less common, but possible in a metaphorical sense.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Does the size of a machine affect its classification?
No, machines can vary greatly in size.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can a machine be manual or only electronic?
A machine can be either manual or electronic.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can the term machinery be applied to human-operated systems?
Yes, especially in reference to the parts and mechanisms they operate.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Is machinery an outdated term in modern technology?
Not outdated, but its use may vary with technological advancements.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Does machinery require more maintenance than a machine?
It often does, due to its complexity and multiple components.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Do the terms machinery and machine have different origins?
Their origins are related, both deriving from Latin roots related to mechanical devices.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
