Copy Citation
You know what it looks like… but what is it called?
TAKE THE QUIZtechnology
noun
tech·nol·o·gy
tek-ˈnä-lə-jē 
plural technologies
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
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
The two countries are trading partners, with China importing Russian oil and gas, advanced military technology, and other mineral resources in exchange for high-tech Chinese goods.
—Francesca Ebel, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Dec. 2022
The state-of-the-art technology allowed for elaborate color combinations and spectacular brightness.
—Theara Coleman, The Week, 30 Dec. 2022
Genesis has included some rather interesting technology in the car, like the ability to use biometrics to unlock it instead of a key fob, and the suite of advanced driver assistance systems are very effective.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 29 Dec. 2022
Those born under the Gemini sign are ruled by Mercury (the planet of communication, technology, and travel) and represented by the twins.
—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 29 Dec. 2022
That would likely entail sanctions on China—which the country, still heavily dependent on American and European trade, technology, and investment, can ill afford.
—Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 29 Dec. 2022
While the movement over 2022 was driven by mostly external factors, investors will need to watch for underlying improvements in hydrogen technology, which at present remains expensive and small-scale.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2022
Disney introduced MagicBand+, which added a few powers to the wearable technology, including interaction with statues and nighttime spectaculars.
—Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Dec. 2022
Throughout the history of computing, humans have had to painstakingly input their thoughts using interfaces designed for technology, not humans.
—Mustafa Suleyman, WIRED, 28 Dec. 2022
See More
Francesca Ebel, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Dec. 2022
The state-of-the-art technology allowed for elaborate color combinations and spectacular brightness.
—Theara Coleman, The Week, 30 Dec. 2022
Genesis has included some rather interesting technology in the car, like the ability to use biometrics to unlock it instead of a key fob, and the suite of advanced driver assistance systems are very effective.
—Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 29 Dec. 2022
Those born under the Gemini sign are ruled by Mercury (the planet of communication, technology, and travel) and represented by the twins.
—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 29 Dec. 2022
That would likely entail sanctions on China—which the country, still heavily dependent on American and European trade, technology, and investment, can ill afford.
—Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 29 Dec. 2022
While the movement over 2022 was driven by mostly external factors, investors will need to watch for underlying improvements in hydrogen technology, which at present remains expensive and small-scale.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2022
Disney introduced MagicBand+, which added a few powers to the wearable technology, including interaction with statues and nighttime spectaculars.
—Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 28 Dec. 2022
Throughout the history of computing, humans have had to painstakingly input their thoughts using interfaces designed for technology, not humans.
—Mustafa Suleyman, WIRED, 28 Dec. 2022
See More
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'technology.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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
Phrases Containing technology
Articles Related to technology
Dictionary Entries Near technology
Cite this Entry
“Technology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/technology. Accessed 5 Feb. 2023.
Kids Definition
technology
noun
tech·nol·o·gy
tek-ˈnäl-ə-jē
plural technologies
technological
adjective
ˌtek-nə-ˈläj-i-kəl
Medical Definition
More from Merriam-Webster on technology
Nglish: Translation of technology for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of technology for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
A Good Old-Fashioned Quiz
Can you name these antiquated items?
Take the quiz
-
Which Came First?
"Leggings" or "mom jeans"? "Chillax" or "dumpster...
Take the quiz
-
Name That Thing
You know what it looks like… but what is it cal...
Take the quiz
-
Spelling Bee Quiz
Can you outdo past winners of the National Spelli...
Take the quiz
Share