Technology | Definition, Examples, Types, & Facts (2025)

verifiedCite

While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.

Select Citation Style

Feedback

Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

Print

verifiedCite

While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.

Select Citation Style

Feedback

Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites

Britannica Websites

Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.

  • technology - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

Written and fact-checked by

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Article History

Key People:
B.J. Habibie
William Fielding Ogburn
Robert Solow
Anthony F.C. Wallace
Frank Hamilton Cushing
Related Topics:
history of technology
computer
textile
motion-picture technology
military technology

See all related content →

Top Questions

What is technology?

Technology is the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life or, as it is sometimes phrased, to the change and manipulation of the human environment.

Is Internet technology "making us stupid"?

Whether Internet technology is "making us stupid" is widely debated. Some argue the Internet is reprogramming our brains for the worse, as seen by diminishing IQ scores, and that new technologies and platforms like the Internet are harming attention spams, the ability to concentrate, and perform simple tasks. Others argue that virtually all new technologies throughout history have been initially feared, that the Internet gives voice to diverse populations and equal access to information for the benefit of social advancement, and that changing how the brain works and how we access and process information is not necessarily bad. For more on the debate about whether the Internet is "making us stupid," visit ProCon.org.

What is the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) technology on society?

Artificial intelligence technology's impact on society is widely debated. Many argue that AI improves the quality of everyday life by doing routine and even complicated tasks better than humans can, making life simpler, safer, and more efficient. Others argue AI poses dangerous privacy risks, exacerbates racism by standardizing people, and costs workers their jobs leading to greater unemployment. For more on the debate over artificial intelligence, visit ProCon.org.

technology, the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life or, as it is sometimes phrased, to the change and manipulation of the human environment.

The subject of technology is treated in a number of articles. For general treatment, see technology, history of; hand tool. For description of the materials that are both the object and means of manipulating the environment, see elastomers; industrial ceramics; industrial glass; metallurgy; mineral deposit; mineral processing; mining; plastic. For the generation of energy, see energy conversion; coal mining; coal utilization; petroleum production; petroleum refining. For treatment of food production, see agriculture, history of; agricultural economics; beekeeping; beer; cereal farming; coffee; commercial fishing; dairy farming; distilled spirit; food preservation; fruit farming; livestock farming; poultry farming; soft drink; tea; vegetable farming; wine. For the techniques of construction technology, see bridge; building construction; canals and inland waterways; dam; harbours and sea works; lighthouse; roads and highways; tunnels and underground excavations; environmental works. For the manufacture and design of the means of transportation, see aerospace industry; automotive industry; ship construction. For communications technology, see broadcasting; computer science; information processing; photography; printing; photoengraving; typography; telecommunication. For the processes and products of other manufacturing industries, see adhesive; clothing and footwear industry; dye; explosive; floor covering; forestry; chemical industry; man-made fibre; surface coating; papermaking; soap and detergent; textile. For medical applications of technology, see diagnosis; therapeutics; drug; medicine, history of; pharmaceutical industry. For military applications, see military technology. For treatment of the organization of technological systems, see automation; engineering; production system; systems engineering; work, history of the organization of.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Adam Augustyn.

Technology | Definition, Examples, Types, & Facts (2025)

FAQs

What is technology and definition and examples? ›

Technology is the use of scientific knowledge for practical purposes or applications, whether in industry or in our everyday lives. It includes everything from the wheel to computers to medicines to zippers and buttons on clothes. We discussed many types of technology.

What is the type definition of technology? ›

A type defines a set of possible values and a set of operations (for an object).

What is information technology definition types and examples? ›

Information technology is a broad term that involves the use of technology to communicate, transfer data and process information. The different trends within information technology include, but aren't limited to: Analytics. Automation. Artificial intelligence.

What are the three ways to define technology? ›

Technology (noun): 1) The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. 2) Machinery and devices developed from scientific knowledge. 3) The branch of knowledge dealing with engineering or applied sciences.

What describes technology? ›

Technology is a body of knowledge used to create tools, process things, and extract materials. Technology may be described in the form of products, processes, or organizations. People use technology to expand their capabilities, and that makes people the most civilized members of the technological systems.

What best defines what technology is? ›

technology, the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life or, as it is sometimes phrased, to the change and manipulation of the human environment.

What is the purpose of technology? ›

The purpose of technology is to meet a human need or solve a human problem. Technology can help meet many types of human needs, like needs of shelter, food, clothing, and communication. Technology does not originate from the natural world and includes methods or activities that people use to alter their environments.

What is the simple definition of technology for kids? ›

Technology is the use of knowledge to invent new devices or tools. Throughout history, technology has made people's lives easier.

What best defines information technology? ›

Information technology (IT) is the use of computers, storage, networking and other physical devices, infrastructure and processes to create, process, store, secure and exchange all forms of electronic data.

What is the important of technology? ›

Technology lends immense support in automating various tasks, setting up reminders, communicating efficiently, paying bills at the click of a button, and shopping for the simplest things, such as groceries to investing in valuable assets right in the comfort of our homes.

What is the basic definition of IT? ›

01), Information Technology means the use of hardware, software, services, and supporting infrastructure to manage and deliver information using voice, data, and video.

What is technology in simple words? ›

Technology is the application of conceptual knowledge to achieve practical goals, especially in a reproducible way. The word technology can also mean the products resulting from such efforts, including both tangible tools such as utensils or machines, and intangible ones such as software.

What is technology and an example? ›

Technology is the way we apply scientific knowledge for practical purposes. It includes machines (like computers) but also techniques and processes (like the way we produce computer chips). It might seem like all technology is only electronic, but that's just most modern technology.

What are the 3 concepts of technology? ›

The most essential terminology distinguishes between invention (discovery), innovation (first commercial application) and diffusion (widespread replication and growth) of technologies. As a simple conceptual model the technology life cycle is introduced.

What is the simple answer of technology? ›

Technology is the application of conceptual knowledge to achieve practical goals, especially in a reproducible way. The word technology can also mean the products resulting from such efforts, including both tangible tools such as utensils or machines, and intangible ones such as software.

What is simple technology in short answer? ›

Answer: Simple technology typically refers to devices, systems, or solutions that are easy to understand, operate, and maintain. These technologies often have straightforward designs and functions, making them accessible to a wide range of users without requiring extensive training or expertise.

What is technology in our daily life? ›

We use technologies to exchange information, to clean our clothes, to prepare our meals and to get from one place to another. But even everyday items like door locks, floor panels and furniture are technologies that we now take for granted and that seem less impressive to us than self-driving cars or 3D printing.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Errol Quitzon

Last Updated:

Views: 5423

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Errol Quitzon

Birthday: 1993-04-02

Address: 70604 Haley Lane, Port Weldonside, TN 99233-0942

Phone: +9665282866296

Job: Product Retail Agent

Hobby: Computer programming, Horseback riding, Hooping, Dance, Ice skating, Backpacking, Rafting

Introduction: My name is Errol Quitzon, I am a fair, cute, fancy, clean, attractive, sparkling, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.