technology

American  

[tek-nol-uh-jee] / tɛkˈnɒl ə dʒi /

noun

plural

technologies

1. the branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life, society, and the environment, drawing upon such subjects as industrial arts, engineering, applied science, and pure science.

2. the application of this knowledge for practical ends.

3. the terminology of an art, science, etc.; technical nomenclature.

4. a scientific or industrial process, invention, method, or the like.

5. the sum of the ways in which social groups provide themselves with the material objects of their civilization.

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technology British  

/ tɛkˈnɒlədʒɪ, ˌtɛknəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

1. the application of practical sciences to industry or commerce

2. the methods, theory, and practices governing such application

   a highly developed technology

3. the total knowledge and skills available to any human society for industry, art, science, etc

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technology Scientific  

/ tĕk-nŏl′ə-jē /

1. The use of scientific knowledge to solve practical problems, especially in industry and commerce.

2. The specific methods, materials, and devices used to solve practical problems.

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Other Word Forms

• antitechnology noun
• supertechnology noun
• technological adjective
• technologically adverb
• technologist noun

Etymology

Origin of technology

First recorded in 1605–15, technology is from the Greek word technología systematic treatment. See techno-, -logy

Explanation

Technology is using science to solve a problem or create a product. You probably have some gadgets and gizmos, like cell phones and video games, that you really enjoy. These are products of technology. Technology consists of all the things science allows people to make and do. New cars, new surgical techniques, new computers, and even robots are all examples of technology. Since science is always advancing, technology is too. The more scientists learn, the more technology allows us to do — it's very exciting.

Example Sentences

So far, the rationale for the cuts appears to be driven less by AI’s abilities to replace workers outright than by the soaring costs of building the technology, executives say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Now, in Santa Monica Bay, a group of agencies plan to test new technology that removes salt from water offshore—reducing the expense and environmental headaches of doing so on land.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

"It just put a lot of devices and technology into classrooms without clear pedagogical intent, without clear goalposts," he argues.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

When asked about the implications of AI, Hammack said bluntly that it still isn’t clear how this technology will play out in the real economy.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

One of the biggest game changers, however, was a new technology that seemed relatively harmless: radio.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield

Related Words

• automation
• machinery