biotechnology

noun

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

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.
Jobs acknowledged that GLP-1s have drawbacks, including muscle loss, but called their rise the biggest biotechnology breakthrough of the past three years. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026 Its biotechnology could now serve a more immediate military application. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026 For textile biotechnology companies, the service could provide access to industrial fermentation equipment without the upfront expense of constructing a dedicated facility. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 The department added biotechnology to the list of industries subject to COINS restrictions, joining the likes of semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology. — John Wilkerson, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for biotechnology

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of biotechnology was in 1921

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 1 Nov. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about biotechnology

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