noun
Common
tech
tehk
Tech (noun) means informal short form of technology. Example: “She works in tech, developing apps for a startup.”
noun
1
Informal short form of technology.
"I can't understand all this new tech."
"Remember, something that seems straightforward to you can be very scary to people who don't have enough info or tech knowledge to provide a context or meaning on their own."
— Nancy Lyons, Meghan Wilker (2012)
"She works in tech, developing apps for a startup."
""The tech on this is really good. But in essence, it's still a train any competent driver should be able to learn easily."
— Paul Clifton, Network News: Training starts on heavily delayed SWR Arterios (2023)
"Tech is changing how people shop, travel and talk to each other."
"He loves tech and always buys the newest gadgets."
2
Informal short form of technician.
"A tech came round to fix the broken printer."
"Call the tech if the network goes down again."
"The lab tech set up the microscopes before the class began."
How to use tech
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCasual shorthand for technology, or for a technician.
Common pairings
tech industry
tech support
big tech
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- techs
- Past tense
- teched
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She works in _____, developing apps for a startup.
Etymology
A clipped form of "technology," "technician," or "technique."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for tech
See all rhymes for tech →Frequently asked questions
What does “tech” mean?
The word “tech” means informal short form of technology. In plain terms, casual shorthand for technology, or for a technician.
How do you pronounce “tech”?
“Tech” is pronounced tehk (/tɛk/ in IPA).
How do you use “tech” in a sentence?
Here is “tech” used in a sentence: “She works in tech, developing apps for a startup.”
What part of speech is “tech”?
“Tech” is a noun.
Is “tech” a common word?
“Tech” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “tech” have?
“Tech” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: informal short form of technology.
What is the difference between tech and technology?
There is no difference in meaning; tech is simply the casual, shortened form of technology. Technology is the full, formal word used in writing and professional settings, while tech is common in everyday speech, headlines, and industry slang, as in the tech industry or new tech. They refer to the same thing.
Is tech formal or informal?
Tech is informal. It suits conversation, journalism, marketing, and casual writing, but in formal reports, academic work, or official documents, the full word technology is preferred. That said, tech has become so widespread, especially in phrases like tech company or big tech, that it now appears in many professional contexts too.
What does tech refer to?
Tech refers to technology, the tools, machines, software, and systems created by applying scientific knowledge to solve problems. It often points specifically to the digital and electronics world: computers, phones, apps, and the internet. The tech sector usually means companies building software, devices, and online services rather than technology in general.
What is an example of tech?
Everyday examples of tech include smartphones, laptops, apps, smartwatches, and streaming services. The word also covers whole fields, such as fintech (financial tech), biotech, and clean tech. When people mention the latest tech, they usually mean new gadgets or software, like a fresh phone model or an AI tool.
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