photonics

noun

pho·​ton·​ics fō-ˈtä-niks How to pronounce photonics (audio)
plural in form but singular in construction
: a branch of physics that deals with the properties and applications of photons especially as a medium for transmitting information

Examples of photonics in a Sentence

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.
The company brings established expertise in laser manufacturing, photonics engineering, and systems integration, positioning it as a key contributor to the development of the DEEP LIGHT platform. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 12 June 2026 Lumentum , Coherent — Investors sold off the photonics stocks after two consecutive winning days. Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 3 June 2026 Thanks to the funding, the program was able to build a photonics lab at Stonehill so that students can work with machinery used by technicians, such as a femtosecond laser, according to the program’s website. IEEE Spectrum, 7 Dec. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of photonics was in 1952

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Photonics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photonics. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on photonics

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster