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.
This week, Australian biotechnology company Mesolab announced that its Phase 3 trial of rexlemestrocel-L for chronic low back pain (CLBP) now moves beyond the patient-treatment stage. — New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026 The Act is intended to support clinical trial activity, strengthen biotechnology and biomanufacturing, improve access to funding and make better use of data. — Kimberley Jane Barnes, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Governments that want to lead in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum computing, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy will need to do the same. — John A. Quelch, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2026 In late 2016, for example, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology issued the first thorough, unclassified warning about the potential national security risks posed by biotechnology. — Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 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 21 Aug. 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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