1
a
: relating to the practical use of machines or science in industry, medicine, etc.
technical training/knowledge/skills
the latest technical [=(more commonly) technological] advances in aircraft design
If you have any problems with your new computer, we offer 24-hour technical support.
I missed the first 10 minutes of the show because the network was experiencing technical difficulties/problems.
b
: teaching practical skills rather than ideas about literature, art, etc.
a technical school/college
2
a
: having special knowledge especially of how machines work or of how a particular kind of work is done
Technical experts analyzed the data.
The film's director hired a real police officer as a technical consultant/adviser.
b
: relating to the special skills or techniques needed to do a particular job or activity
a pianist/painter with good technical skills
Her ice-skating routine had the highest level of technical difficulty. = Her routine was very technical.
3
: involving special knowledge, language, etc., that is used or understood by experts but usually not by others
technical writing
The essay is too technical for me.
the more technical details/aspects of their research
"Cartography" is the technical name/term/word for the making of maps.
He is using the word in its technical sense/meaning.
4
: according to a very strict explanation of a rule, fact, etc.
a technical violation of the law
They were arguing over a minor technical point. [=technicality]
(informal) I'm not really 18 years old until tomorrow, if you want to get technical about it. [=if you want to be very exact or precise about it]
Cite this Entry
“Technical.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/technical. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.
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