factory

[ fak-tuh-ree, -tree ]

noun

, plural fac·to·ries.

1. a building or group of buildings with facilities for the manufacture of goods.
2. any place producing a uniform product, without concern for individuality:

   They call it a law school, but it's just a degree factory.

3. (formerly) an establishment for factors and merchants carrying on business in a foreign country.

factory

/ ˈfæktərɪ /

noun

1. 1. a building or group of buildings containing a plant assembly for the manufacture of goods
   2. ( as modifier )

      a factory worker

2. rare.
   a trading station maintained by factors in a foreign country
3. (formerly) a main trading station for the exchange and transshipment of furs

Derived Forms

• ˈfactory-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• facto·ry·like adjective
• sub·facto·ry noun plural subfactories

Word History and Origins

Origin of factory¹

From the Medieval Latin word factōria, dating back to 1550–60. See factor, -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of factory¹

C16: from Late Latin factorium ; see factor

Example Sentences

But it’s also sent 43 players to the NHL; that doesn’t exactly make it a hockey factory but it probably qualifies it to be called a hockey workshop.

From Los Angeles Times

Volkswagen is even contemplating the closure of factories in Germany, a step that would be unprecedented.

From BBC

After being gathered by hand, villagers from Umm Safa take sacks full of olives to the nearby factory, where the presses have restarted this season.

From BBC

Delhi itself produces a huge chunk of the pollution - emission from vehicles, construction and factories.

From BBC

A break dancer made an Amazon factory a snappy, a happy place for field recording.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• branch
• cooperative
• firm
• industry
• laboratory
• mill
• shop
• workshop