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. See More
Recent Examples on the Web Illustrating a year headlined by artificial intelligence, the Forbes 30 Under 30 consumer tech founders are building applications that help people put the advanced technology to real use. Rashi Shrivastava, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023 Russia has also used drone technology in the conflict, striking military targets and infrastructure assets such as grain facilities. Greg Norman, Fox News, 28 Nov. 2023 We are actively involved both in technology transfer, but also in cultural exchange and also in talent creation. Alan Murray, Fortune, 28 Nov. 2023 All new cars should include built-in… … speed limit technology. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 28 Nov. 2023 But, using lidar technology, scientists have been able to gather a wealth of data suggesting the terrain in that region is wrought with remnants of major past earthquakes to an extent not known before. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 28 Nov. 2023 The book charts the sprawling international investigation conducted in 2020 and 2021 which revealed how governments used Pegasus spyware technology to spy on politicians, activists and business executives. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 28 Nov. 2023 Truth #7: Egg freezing technology is getting better and better — but the human reproductive system remains the same. Paige Stables, Allure, 16 Nov. 2023 The technology is designed to isolate a specific frequency of brainwave activity called the beta range, which helps make the data legible to those without a neuroscience background. Teresa Nowakowski, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'technology.' 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

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

Dictionary Entries Near technology

Cite this Entry

“Technology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/technology. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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