technology

noun

tech·​nol·​o·​gy tek-ˈnä-lə-jē How to pronounce technology (audio)
plural technologies
1
a
: the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area : engineering sense 2
medical technology
b
: a capability given by the practical application of knowledge
a car's fuel-saving technology
2
: a manner of accomplishing a task especially using technical processes, methods, or knowledge
new technologies for information storage
3
: the specialized aspects of a particular field of endeavor
educational technology
technologist noun

Examples of technology in a Sentence

One by one, the pieces take flight: a parachute, the stowed Martian balloon—a Montgolfiere hot-air type, named for the French brothers who pioneered the technology in 1782—and a sensor package with guidance system, radio transmitter, and video camera. Joe Pappalardo, Air & Space, June/July 2006
There's no question the industry has been subjected to a great deal of competitive pressure over the past decade or so, with promises of more to come as the Internet and wireless technology transform the way Americans receive news and information. Wall Street Journal, 14 Mar. 2006
The rapid shift in technology over the last 10 years has created an entirely new world in which viruses can replicate. While in 1989, viruses were primarily spread by "sneakernet," as users walked diskettes from machine to machine, modern viruses … are capable of spreading around the world in the blink of a digital eye. Sarah Gordon, Information Security, November 1999
… all technology and energy revving up for the greatest clash of arms in history. William Styron, This Quiet Dust And Other Writings, (1953) 1982
Recent advances in medical technology have saved countless lives. The company is on the cutting edge of technology. The government is developing innovative technologies to improve the safety of its soldiers. How can we apply this new technology to our everyday lives? The car has the latest in fuel-saving technology.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Both cleaners also have similarly-sized filter baskets, but the more expensive model is a smidge roomier, and both use mapping technology to map the floor, although the E50’s is more intensive. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2025 Still, as Europe ponders the reliability of Elon Musk's broadband company Starlink, Brendan Carr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission, told the Financial Times that European allies need to choose between U.S. and Chinese satellite internet technology. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025 And the chief of the winning team said their robot – though bested by the humans in this particular race – was a match for similar models from the West, at a time when the race to perfect humanoid technology is hotting up. Chris Lau, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2025 The Laser Pro uses near-infrared cold laser technology to boost collagen production to address wrinkles, cellulite, redness, scarring, hyperpigmentation, and post-surgical recovery. Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for technology

Word History

Etymology

earlier, "treatise on an art, terminology, branch of knowledge dealing with the applied arts," borrowed from New Latin technologia "systematic treatment (of grammar or rhetoric), systematic description of the arts and sciences," borrowed from Greek technología "systematic treatment (of grammar or rhetoric)," from téchnē "art, craft, proficiency in an art or craft, systematic method of performing or engaging in an art" + -o- -o- + -logia -logy — more at technical entry 1

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of technology was in 1829

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Cite this Entry

“Technology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/technology. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

technology

noun
tech·​nol·​o·​gy tek-ˈnäl-ə-jē How to pronounce technology (audio)
plural technologies
1
: the use of science in solving problems (as in industry or engineering)
2
: a technical method of doing something
technological
ˌtek-nə-ˈläj-i-kəl
adjective

Medical Definition

technology

noun
tech·​nol·​o·​gy -jē How to pronounce technology (audio)
plural technologies
1
: the science of the application of knowledge to practical purposes : applied science
2
: a scientific method of achieving a practical purpose
technological adjective
also technologic

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