technique

noun

tech·​nique tek-ˈnēk How to pronounce technique (audio)
Synonyms of technique
1
: the manner in which technical details are treated (as by a writer) or basic physical movements are used (as by a dancer)
also : ability to treat such details or use such movements
good piano technique
2
a
: a body of technical methods (as in a craft or in scientific research)
b
: a method of accomplishing a desired aim

Synonyms of technique

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Examples of technique in a Sentence

We learned some techniques for relieving stress. I used a special technique to make the bread. The players need to practice in order to improve their technique. a dancer with excellent technique The ice-skaters will be judged on technique and creativity.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It’s based on the alleged hiring of Scarpa by the FBI during the civil-rights era, when he was twice brought to Mississippi to use certain interrogation techniques that were considered off the table for agents. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026 Unlike an Olympic campaign, where sailors spend hundreds of hours every year refining technique on the water, SailGP teams get only a handful of days between events. — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 In that case, the researchers used a technique called sieving, which essentially sifts out nonprime numbers, leaving only primes left to test. — Peter Hall, Scientific American, 4 Sep. 2026 Depending on the session, drivers learn braking techniques, vehicle control and high-speed maneuvers with guidance from experienced instructors. — Chris Teague, AJC.com, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for technique

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, "technical nature, branch of knowledge, body of technical methods, way of doing something," feminine noun derivative of technique, adjective, "technical," borrowed from New Latin technicus "of the arts or sciences" — more at technical entry 1

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of technique was in 1817

Rhymes for technique

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Browse Nearby Words

technicum
technique
techno
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Cite this Entry

“Technique.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/technique. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

technique

noun
tech·​nique tek-ˈnēk How to pronounce technique (audio)
1
a
: the manner in which details are treated (as by a writer) or basic physical movements are used (as by a dancer)
b
: ability to treat such details or use such movements
perfect piano technique
2
a
: technical methods especially in scientific research
laboratory technique
b
: a method of accomplishing a desired aim
a technique for handling complaints

Medical Definition

technique

noun
tech·​nique tek-ˈnēk How to pronounce technique (audio)
: a method or body of methods for accomplishing a desired end
new surgical techniques

More from Merriam-Webster on technique

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about technique

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