polytechnic

American  

[pol-ee-tek-nik] / ˌpɒl iˈtɛk nɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or offering instruction in a variety of industrial arts, applied sciences, or technical subjects.

   a polytechnic institute.

---

noun

1. a school or other institution in which instruction in technical subjects is given.

polytechnic British  

/ ˌpɒlɪˈtɛknɪk /

noun

1. a college offering advanced full- and part-time courses, esp vocational courses, in many fields at and below degree standard

---

adjective

1. of or relating to technical instruction and training

Etymology

Origin of polytechnic

1795–1805; poly- + technic, modeled on French polytechnique

Example Sentences

"I knew only one other black fellow in Sunderland, he was at the polytechnic," remembers Gregoire.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

Rebranded as the Cornley Youth Theater, and for reasons of liability or just sheer embarrassment no longer associated with a polytechnic institute, it has returned to Broadway with its children’s version of J.M.

From New York Times • Apr. 19, 2023

Nicaraguan Vice President Rosario Murillo announced that the space would be used to create a cultural and polytechnic center named after one of the country's most important poets, Jose Coronel Urtecho.

From Reuters • Aug. 23, 2022

The university is 30% underenrolled, and Cal State officials hope the polytechnic designation will help draw more students, including from North Coast tribal communities.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2022

These schools, more than the polytechnic schools, are directly related to trends in the economy.

From Area Handbook for Bulgaria by Baluyut, Violeta D.