technology

noun

tech·nol·o·gy tek-ˈnä-lə-jē

plural technologies

Synonyms of technology next

: the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area : engineering sense 2

medical technology

: a capability given by the practical application of knowledge

a car's fuel-saving technology

: a manner of accomplishing a task especially using technical processes, methods, or knowledge

new technologies for information storage

: the specialized aspects of a particular field of endeavor

educational technology

technologist

tek-ˈnä-lə-jist

noun

Example Sentences

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 At age 45, the successful technology leader is already spending a large amount of money—$2 million per year and growing—to try and change his body’s age number. —

Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 2 June 2023 China’s crackdown on technology firms and covid lockdowns had cooled foreign companies’ enthusiasm for doing business in the country. —

Mimansa Verma, Quartz, 1 June 2023 No vehicle or all-wheel-drive technology can accommodate all driving maneuvers and situations. —

Mara Balagtas Mcilwrath, Car and Driver, 1 June 2023 Groups have also reported concerns about how the app’s facial recognition technology handles darker skin. —

Rosa Flores, CNN, 1 June 2023 And Americans are falling behind in the technology race with China. —

Michael Lucchese, Washington Examiner, 1 June 2023 With all that going on, who needed multisensory technology? —

David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2023 Recommended by Our Editors The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra, in comparison, uses pressure and sonic vibration technology to scrub, and lifted a bit more grime than the Ecovacs X1 Omni in our tests. —

Angela Moscaritolo, PCMAG, 1 June 2023 Over the weekend, Beijing added to the speculation of a crypto renaissance in the country after the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission and the Zhongguancun Science and Technology Park Management Committee released a white paper on Web3 technologies, according to local media. —

Marco Quiroz-gutierrez, Fortune Crypto, 1 June 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

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