technique

American  

[tek-neek] / tɛkˈnik /

noun

1. the manner and ability with which an artist, writer, dancer, athlete, or the like employs the technical skills of a particular art or field of endeavor.

2. the body of specialized procedures and methods used in any specific field, especially in an area of applied science.

3. method of performance; way of accomplishing.

4. technical skill; ability to apply procedures or methods so as to effect a desired result.

5. Informal. method of projecting personal charm, appeal, etc..

   He has the greatest technique with customers.

---

technique British  

/ tɛkˈniːk /

noun

1. a practical method, skill, or art applied to a particular task

2. proficiency in a practical or mechanical skill

3. special facility; knack

   he had the technique of turning everything to his advantage

---

Etymology

Origin of technique

First recorded in 1810–20; from French: “technical” (adjective), “technic” (noun), from Greek technikós, techniká; see technic

Explanation

A technique is a method of doing some task or performing something. Your technique for opening drinks might be to twist the top off with your teeth. If so, your dentist better have a good tooth-repair technique. The noun technique can also refer to someone's skillfulness with the fundamentals of a particular task. A violinist could have excellent technique, but lack passion, for example. Writers usually have very individual writing techniques: One might need to write late at night and another early in the morning; some have to write by hand on paper, while others always use the computer.

Example Sentences

Carolyn Wells’s “The Technique of the Mystery Story” was the first substantial history of detective fiction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

Technique may be the heart of hollandaise, but imagination is its secret weapon.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2025

"Technique, speed, courage, you name it. Tactically, he's a leader, understands the game like few others. And his mental strength is a joke. The kid is complete."

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2025

The Reid Technique also condones lying in certain circumstances, as long as it doesn’t involve “incontrovertible or dispositive evidence,” noting that the Supreme Court in 1969 in Frazier vs.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2024

"It's Technique Tuesday. I watched some of your forms break down last week, out there looking like wet noodles. I don't wanna see that this week. Let's keep it tight."

From "Patina" by Jason Reynolds

Related Words

• approach
• art
• capability
• capacity
• craft
• facility
• know-how
• manner
• means
• mode
• performance
• procedure
• routine
• skill
• style
• system