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 From how the technology works to the ways passengers can opt in to—or out of—of TSA facial recognition, here's everything travelers should know as the technology becomes a more prominent part of flying in the US. Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Mar. 2024 Though the unions negotiated deals designed to protect their members against the technology, OpenAI’s Sora has recently sparked new fears. Tatiana Tenreyro, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2024 Lofty tech goals On Tuesday, much of Li’s speech was devoted to the country’s strategic goals, including plans to boost the annual budget for science and technology by 10% to $51.6 billion, the biggest increase since 2019 after years of minimal growth. Laura He, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024 Matthew manages the real estate auction division and with outside consultants and contractors continually updates the company’s website and technology infrastructure. Tony Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 8 Mar. 2024 Musk’s lawsuit seeks to force the company to stop licensing technology to its primary backer, Microsoft. Will Knight, WIRED, 7 Mar. 2024 Before the match was found, investigators looking into the case and the remains over the years had been able to predict the gender, and as technology advanced, predicted her facial characteristics as well in 2021. Dalia Faheid, CNN, 25 Feb. 2024 Expert systems grew in popularity and by the 1980s it was estimated that two-thirds of Fortune 500 companies applied the technology in daily business activities. Gil Press, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 Meanwhile, both red and blue states have taken steps to allow for the development of small modular reactors, an emerging technology that backers say can help to power rural areas or industrial operations without the demands of a large plant. Tribune News Service, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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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