technique

noun

tech·​nique tek-ˈnēk 

1

: the manner in which technical details are treated (as by a writer) or basic physical movements are used (as by a dancer)

also : ability to treat such details or use such movements

good piano technique

2

a

: a body of technical methods (as in a craft or in scientific research)

b

: a method of accomplishing a desired aim

Synonyms of technique

• method
• approach
• strategy
• methodology
• way

Examples of technique in a Sentence

We learned some techniques for relieving stress.

I used a special technique to make the bread.

The players need to practice in order to improve their technique.

a dancer with excellent technique

The ice-skaters will be judged on technique and creativity.

Recent Examples on the Web

Her special talent was to make historic gardening techniques and designs accessible for the average gardener, championing the potager—which combines flowers with useful, edible plants—and creating gardens for Elton John and the then Prince of Wales. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

The deluge will take mathematicians months to parse through and understand—including to determine whether the proofs contain novel and important ideas or are mostly mash-ups of existing techniques. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 6 Oct. 2026

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons explains that laser resurfacing recovery varies by technique and treatment depth, and that sun protection remains important after healing. — Malana Vantyler, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026

On Monday, the Nobel Prize in medicine was awarded to three scientists for their work developing a technique to decode the inner workings of the brain. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, "technical nature, branch of knowledge, body of technical methods, way of doing something," feminine noun derivative of technique, adjective, "technical," borrowed from New Latin technicus "of the arts or sciences" — more at technical entry 1

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for technique

• antique
• batik
• bespeak
• boutique
• cacique
• comique
• critique
• grosbeak
• midweek
• mystique
• oblique
• physique

Kids Definition

technique

noun

tech·​nique tek-ˈnēk 

1

a

: the manner in which details are treated (as by a writer) or basic physical movements are used (as by a dancer)

b

: ability to treat such details or use such movements

perfect piano technique

2

a

: technical methods especially in scientific research

laboratory technique

b

: a method of accomplishing a desired aim

a technique for handling complaints

Medical Definition

technique

noun

tech·​nique tek-ˈnēk 

: a method or body of methods for accomplishing a desired end

new surgical techniques