noun A device that directs and controls energy, often in the form of movement or electricity, to produce a certain effect.
noun A vehicle operated mechanically, such as an automobile or an airplane.
noun An answering machine or, by extension, voice mail.
I called you earlier, but all I got was the machine.
noun A computer.
Game developers assume they're pushing the limits of the machine.
noun 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.
noun 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.
noun Supernatural agency in a poem, or a superhuman being introduced to perform some exploit.
noun The system of special interest groups that supports a political party, especially in urban areas.