biotechnology

1 of 2

noun (1)

bio·​tech·​nol·​o·​gy ˌbī-ō-tek-ˈnä-lə-jē How to pronounce biotechnology (audio)
1
: the manipulation (as through genetic engineering) of living organisms or their components to produce useful usually commercial products (such as pest resistant crops, new bacterial strains, or novel pharmaceuticals)
also : any of various applications of biological science used in such manipulation
2
: ergonomics sense 1
biotechnological
ˌbī-ō-ˌtek-nə-ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce biotechnology (audio)
adjective
biotechnologically
ˌbī-ō-ˌtek-nə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce biotechnology (audio)
adverb
biotechnologist
ˌbī-ō-tek-ˈnä-lə-jist How to pronounce biotechnology (audio)
noun

biotechnologist

2 of 2

noun (2)

bio·​tech·​nol·​o·​gist ¦bī-(ˌ)ō-ˌtek-¦nä-lə-jist How to pronounce biotechnologist (audio)
: a specialist in biotechnology

Examples of biotechnology in a Sentence

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.
Noun
In addition to his work in neuroscience and biotechnology, Papapetropoulos has recently turned to writing to reflect on the broader meaning of a professional life. — Matt Emma, USA Today, 3 June 2026 Behnke sees Beauty Crush Skincare as the convergence of biotechnology and regenerative agriculture. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 3 June 2026 Genentech, the biotechnology giant headquartered in South City and one of the city's major employers, funded the landmark's update as part of the company's 50th anniversary. — Kassia Bonesteel, CBS News, 3 June 2026 The latest advances in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology have the potential to lift living standards, boost productivity, and drive more sustainable growth. — Alois Zwinggi, Time, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for biotechnology

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

biotechnology + -ist entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1921, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of biotechnology was in 1920

Rhymes for biotechnology

See All Rhymes for biotechnology

Browse Nearby Words

biotechnologist
biotechnology
biotelemetry
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Biotechnology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biotechnology. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

biotechnology

noun
bio·​tech·​nol·​o·​gy ˌbī-ō-tek-ˈnäl-ə-jē How to pronounce biotechnology (audio)
: the manipulation (as by changing genetic material) of living things to produce useful products (as crops resistant to disease)

Medical Definition

biotechnology

noun
bio·​tech·​nol·​o·​gy -tek-ˈnäl-ə-jē How to pronounce biotechnology (audio)
plural biotechnologies
1
: the manipulation (as through genetic engineering) of living organisms or their components to produce useful usually commercial products (as pest resistant crops, new bacterial strains, or novel pharmaceuticals)
also : any of various applications of biological science used in such manipulation
2
: ergonomics
biotechnological
-ˌtek-nə-ˈläj-i-kəl How to pronounce biotechnology (audio)
adjective
biotechnologically
-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce biotechnology (audio)
adverb
biotechnologist
-tek-ˈnäl-ə-jəst How to pronounce biotechnology (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on biotechnology

Nglish: Translation of biotechnology for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about biotechnology

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