What does "technical" mean?
A pickup truck with a gun mounted on it.
Technical
/ˈtɛk.nɪ.kəl/ adj, noun, slang
adj, noun, slang ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A pickup truck with a gun mounted on it.
- Grammar: technical is listed as adj, noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: technological, academic term, academic terminology, accomplished.
- Useful contrasts: non-technical, nontechnical, architectural arts.
- Usage evidence: Your technical manager arranged a meeting for 1:00 p.m. on April 6, but how about April 7, at 10:00 a.m.?
How to use "technical"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "technical" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "technical" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "technical" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "technical" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "technical" is acting as adj, noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "technological" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "technical", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A pickup truck with a gun mounted on it. countable, uncountable
"“Individuals or groups of people who have trucks mounted with antiaircraft guns, known as ‘technicals,’ should bring those battlewagons to Mogadishu’s old port,” he said."
- 2 (basketball) a foul that can be assessed on a player or a coach or a team for unsportsmanlike conduct; does not usually involve physical contact during play wordnet
- 3 Ellipsis of technical foul. abbreviation, alt-of, countable, ellipsis, uncountable
- 4 a pickup truck with a gun mounted on it wordnet
- 5 A special move in certain fighting games that cancels out the effect of an opponent's attack. countable, uncountable
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 Ellipsis of technical school. abbreviation, alt-of, countable, ellipsis, uncountable
- 7 Ellipsis of technical course. abbreviation, alt-of, countable, ellipsis, uncountable
- 8 Ellipsis of technical examination. abbreviation, alt-of, countable, ellipsis, uncountable
- 9 Ellipsis of technical rehearsal. abbreviation, alt-of, countable, ellipsis, informal, uncountable
Adjective
- 1 Specifically related to a particular discipline.
"Particle physics uses the word spin in a technical sense."
- 2 Specifically related to a particular discipline.; difficult to understand for those not specialized in this discipline. broadly
"This part of the article is going to be quite technical but I cannot avoid it. It's a very complex topic."
- 3 Of or related to technology.
"Since the 1940s there had been many technical advancements, and a Mach 3 interceptor was no longer a mere pipe dream."
- 4 Technically minded; adept with science and technology.
"Kayla can probably get the printer working. She's technical like that."
- 5 Relating to, or requiring, technique.
"The performance showed technical virtuosity, but lacked inspiration."
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 Relating to, or requiring, technique.; Requiring advanced techniques for successful completion.
"technical climbing"
- 7 Relating to the internal mechanics of a market rather than more basic factors.
"The market had a technical rally, due to an oversold condition."
- 8 In the strictest sense, but not practically or meaningfully.
"Crossing the front lawn of that house to get to the mailbox was a technical trespass."
Adjective
- 1 resulting from or dependent on market factors rather than fundamental economic considerations wordnet
- 2 characterizing or showing skill in or specialized knowledge of applied arts and sciences wordnet
- 3 of or relating to or requiring special knowledge to be understood wordnet
- 4 of or relating to technique or proficiency in a practical skill wordnet
- 5 according to strict interpretation of the law or set of rules wordnet
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 of or relating to a practical subject that is organized according to scientific principles wordnet
- 7 relating to or concerned with machinery or tools wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Your technical manager arranged a meeting for 1:00 p.m. on April 6, but how about April 7, at 10:00 a.m.?"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "technical"?
Common synonyms include: technological, academic term, academic terminology, accomplished, accomplished fact, advanced speaker.
How do you use "technical" in a sentence?
Your technical manager arranged a meeting for 1:00 p.m. on April 6, but how about April 7, at 10:00 a.m.?
How do you pronounce "technical"?
Pronounced /ˈtɛk.nɪ.kəl/.
Etymology
From Late Latin technicus + -al, from Ancient Greek τεχνικός (tekhnikós), from τέχνη (tékhnē, “skill”). For the late 20th-century origin of the noun sense (vehicle), see Wikipedia.