ergonomics

noun

er·​go·​nom·​ics ˌər-gə-ˈnä-miks How to pronounce ergonomics (audio)
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
1
: an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely

called also biotechnology, human engineering, human factors

2
: the design characteristics of an object resulting especially from the application of the science of ergonomics
ergonomic adjective
ergonomically adverb
ergonomist noun

Examples of ergonomics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Some look just like copies of designer chairs and others prioritize ergonomics. Rachel Klein, Popular Mechanics, 30 Jan. 2023 As far as ergonomics, the drill is comfy to hold and use. Gabriel Morgan, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Jan. 2023 Humanscale’s fabric—FormSense Eco Knit—provides additional ergonomics and is made with recycled materials, with hardly any offcuts. Lloyd Alter, Treehugger, 24 Jan. 2023 The McLaren is a lot less powerful than the Ferrari, but the Artura is also $136,139 cheaper and has much less confusing ergonomics than the 296 GTS and its multifunction capacitive steering wheel. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 29 Dec. 2022 The regular-car details (legroom, luggage space, comfort, ergonomics) are uncompromised. Kevin Smith, Car and Driver, 26 Dec. 2022 The 812's cabin provides seating for two, with reasonably spacious accommodations, good ergonomics, and modern design. Frankie Cruz, Car and Driver, 20 Jan. 2023 The key to this reinvention adventure will be automation engineers who understand not only robotics, but also systems engineering, materials science, ergonomics, and even a dash of anthropology. Kevin O'Marah, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2022 Elsewhere, the cabin’s ergonomics are spot-on — including its tech package. cleveland, 24 Dec. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ergonomics.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

erg- + -nomics (as in economics)

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ergonomics was in 1949

Dictionary Entries Near ergonomics

Cite this Entry

“Ergonomics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ergonomics. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

ergonomics

noun singular or plural
er·​go·​nom·​ics ˌər-gə-ˈnäm-iks How to pronounce ergonomics (audio)
: a science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely
ergonomic adjective
ergonomically adverb

Medical Definition

ergonomics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction
er·​go·​nom·​ics ˌər-gə-ˈnäm-iks How to pronounce ergonomics (audio)
1
: an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely

called also human engineering, human factors engineering

2
: the design characteristics of an object resulting especially from the application of the science of ergonomics
ergonomic adjective
ergonomically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on ergonomics

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