What does production mean?
Production is the process of creating, growing, manufacturing, or supplying a product, service, or creative work. It can also refer to the amount produced by an industry or economy, making it important in discussions of manufacturing, business performance, and economic output. In the media and performing arts, production describes a film, television programme, play, or other work, as well as the activity of preparing it for audiences. The word commonly appears in expressions such as increase production, mass production, and production costs. As an adjective, production is used to identify facilities, equipment, materials, staff, or standards connected with making something. Overall, production covers both the act of creation and the resulting output, while productivity more specifically concerns the efficiency with which that output is achieved.
The process of making, growing, creating, or supplying something; the quantity produced; or a film, programme, play, or other creative work.
"Production has fallen because of a shortage of raw materials."
The sense referring to a creative work is especially common in media and entertainment contexts.
Relating to the making or supply of goods, services, or creative works.
"The factory uses a highly efficient production system."
This use is usually attributive, as in production costs or production facilities.
Used when referring to multiple acts, quantities, or creative works of production.
"The festival features productions from independent theatre companies."
A production can mean the act of making something, the quantity made, or the finished creation itself—making one word span the whole journey from idea to output.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does production come from?
The word comes from Latin productio, a noun formed from prodūcere, meaning “to bring forth” or “to lead forward.” It entered Middle English in the sense of an action or process of producing. Its modern meanings developed alongside manufacturing, economics, and the media, where it can refer both to the process of creation and to the resulting work.
Related word forms
How production is actually used
In business and economics, production usually means the process or scale of output. In the media and performing arts, it often means a film, programme, or show as a finished work. The adjective production is commonly used in compounds such as production costs, production facilities, and production line.
Easily confused with production
Production is the process or scale of making something, whereas a product is the item or service that results.
Production refers to what is made or the process of making it, while productivity refers to the rate or efficiency of output.