Technology — English Vocabulary
20 essential words about technology in the live bank, with meanings and examples. Open any word for its full page.
computer /kəmˈpjuː.tɚ/ noun A2
An electronic machine that stores information and helps people work, study, play games, and talk to each other.
Example: Julia does her homework on the family computer.
phone /foʊn/ noun A2
A small electronic device you use to talk to people far away, send messages, take photos, and use the internet.
Example: Ethan left his phone at home this morning.
internet /ˈɪn.tɚ.net/ noun A2
The worldwide system that connects computers, so people can visit websites, send messages, and watch videos anywhere.
Example: The internet at this hotel is very slow.
email /ˈiː.meɪl/ noun and verb A2
A message sent from one computer or phone to another using the internet. As a verb, to send such a message.
Example: I got an email from my teacher about the exam.
website /ˈweb.saɪt/ noun A2
A place on the internet with pages of information about a person, company, school, or topic.
Example: You can buy tickets on the school website.
screen /skriːn/ noun A2
The flat, lighted part of a computer, phone, TV, or tablet that shows pictures and words.
Example: Don’t touch the screen with dirty hands.
password /ˈpæs.wɝːd/ noun A2
A secret word or group of letters and numbers that you type to open your phone, email, or an account.
Example: I forgot my password, so I can’t open my email.
app /æp/ noun A2
A small program on a phone or computer that does one job, like taking photos, playing music, or showing maps.
Example: I use a map app to find new places in the city.
message /ˈmes.ɪdʒ/ noun and verb A2
A short piece of information that you send to or leave for someone, in writing, by phone, or online.
Example: I sent Clara a message about the party.
download /ˈdaʊn.loʊd/ verb and noun A2
To copy a file, song, app, or video from the internet onto your own phone or computer.
Example: I downloaded the movie for the long flight.
upload /ʌpˈloʊd/ verb B1
To send a file, photo, or video from your device to the internet or to another computer.
Example: Sophia uploads her photos to the cloud every night.
software /ˈsɔːft.wer/ noun B1
The programs that run on a computer or phone and tell the machine what to do.
Example: This software helps students learn English.
device /dɪˈvaɪs/ noun B1
A small machine or piece of equipment made for a special job, like a phone, a tablet, or a medical tool.
Example: You can read this book on any device.
battery /ˈbæt̬.ɚ.i/ noun B1
The part inside a phone, car, or toy that stores electricity and gives it power.
Example: My phone battery is almost dead.
wireless /ˈwaɪr.ləs/ adjective B1
Using radio signals to connect devices, without wires or cables.
Example: The café in Austin has free wireless internet.
online /ˌɔːnˈlaɪn/ adjective B1
Connected to or available on the internet.
Example: You can buy tickets online for the game in Houston.
digital /ˈdɪdʒ.ə.t̬əl/ adjective B1
Using computers and numbers to store and show information, like photos, music, and clocks with numbers.
Example: A digital camera saves photos as files.
keyboard /ˈkiː.bɔːrd/ noun B1
The set of letter and number keys you press to write on a computer; also the piano-like part of a musical instrument.
Example: The K key on my keyboard is broken.
channel /ˈtʃæn.əl/ noun B1
A television or online video service that shows programs; you choose a channel to watch a show or to follow a creator.
Example: This cooking channel has two million followers.
video /ˈvɪd.i.oʊ/ noun B1
Moving pictures with sound, recorded by a camera or phone, that you can watch on a screen.
Example: Emma made a short video of her trip to Chicago.