Topics / Technology Vocabulary
Technology Vocabulary in English
Phones, computers, and the words for the internet, apps, and digital life. 90 words, A1 to C1.
90 words
Devices
ComputerA1An electronic machine for writing, calculating, and using the internet.“I work on a computer all day.”LaptopA1A small computer that you can carry and use on your lap or a table.“I do my homework on a laptop.”DesktopB2The main screen of a computer, or a computer designed to stay on a desk (a desktop computer).“Save the file to the desktop only if the methods brief allows it; still name the folder.”TabletA1A small computer with a touch screen.“The children read on a tablet.”PhoneA1A device you use to call or message someone.“My phone is in my bag.”MobileA1A phone you can carry with you (British). American English often says cell phone.“My mobile is on the table.”DeviceA2A machine or tool made for a particular purpose.“Please turn off your device during the exam.”ScreenA1The flat part of a phone, tablet, or television that you look at.“Do not sit too close to the screen.”KeyboardA2The set of keys on a computer, or on a piano.“Keep your hands on the keyboard while you type.”MouseA2A small animal with a long tail, or a computer pointing device.“Move the mouse to click on the booking button.”PrinterA1A machine that puts words and pictures from a computer onto paper.“The printer is out of paper.”CameraA1A device for taking photographs or film.“She took a photo with her camera.”WebcamA2A small camera on a computer that sends a live picture.“Turn on your webcam for the online class.”MicrophoneB2A device that turns sound into an electrical signal for recording or amplifying.“Hold the microphone still in the oral; do not tap it for emphasis.”SpeakerB1A person who talks to an audience; also a device that produces sound.“The guest speaker is in the hall at 2pm, not a YouTube link.”HeadphonesA1A pair of speakers you wear over your ears to listen to music. Usually plural.“She is wearing headphones on the bus.”ChargerB1A device that puts electricity into a battery, especially for a phone.“A phone charger is not allowed at the exam desk; leave it in the bag at the front.”BatteryA2A small object that stores electricity for a device.“My phone needs a new battery.”CableA2A thick wire that carries electricity or signals.“The TV cable came loose at the back.”PlugA1The plastic part on the end of a wire that you put into a wall to use electricity.“Put the plug in the wall.”BluetoothB1A wireless system for connecting phones, headphones, and other devices over a short distance (often uncountable).“Bluetooth is off in the exam hall; a watch still counts as a device.”GadgetA2A small useful device, often electronic.“This kitchen gadget opens jars easily.”TechnologyB1Scientific knowledge used in machines and systems.“Technology has changed how we study.”TechnicalB1Connected with machines, specialist skill, or the practical details of a subject.“A technical fault delayed the online paper; the hall clock still counts.”TechnicianB2A person whose job is skilled practical work with equipment or in a laboratory.“The lab technician calibrated the machines before the practical exam.”TechnologicalB2Connected with scientific machines, systems, or methods.“Map technological change in the industry case, not a gadget advert.”ElectronicA2Using electrical parts such as chips or screens, often for information.“Please complete the electronic form online.”WirelessA2Working without cables, by radio signals.“The classroom has wireless internet.”SatelliteB2A machine in orbit; also a smaller body orbiting a planet, or a country dominated by another.“The geography paper maps satellite images of coastal erosion, not holiday snaps.”
The Internet
WifiB1A wireless system that connects computers and phones to the internet (often written Wi-Fi).“Campus wifi needs the college login; a personal hotspot is not allowed in the exam hall.”InternetA1The worldwide computer network for information and messages.“I found the answer on the internet.”WebA2The internet; also the net a spider makes.“Look the times up on the web.”WebsiteA1A place on the internet with pages of information.“Look at the school website.”BrowserB1A computer program for looking at websites (a web browser).“The exam platform does not work in an outdated browser.”SearchA2To look carefully for something.“I searched the whole house for my keys.”EmailA1A message you send from one computer or phone to another.“I sent an email to my teacher.”VoicemailB1A recorded phone message left when nobody answers (often uncountable).“Leave a voicemail and I will ring you back after work.”PasswordA2A secret word or code that lets you use a computer, account, or door.“Never share your email password on the train.”AccountB1A record of money, or a report of an event.“She opened a bank account.”ProfileB2A short description of a person or group; also a side view, or public attention (high profile).“A high-profile visit is not a sampling frame for the survey.”SoftwareB1Programs that a computer runs (uncountable).“The exam software crashed; a paper booklet is the backup, not your phone.”HardwareA2Tools and equipment for the home, or the machines of a computer.“The hardware shop sells locks and hammers.”FileB1A collection of information stored on a computer, or a folder of papers.“Save the file before you close the program.”FolderA2A cover for papers, or a place for files on a computer.“Put the worksheets in this folder.”DocumentB1An official paper or computer file that gives information.“Please sign the document before you leave.”DownloadB1To copy a file from the internet onto your computer or phone.“You can download the app for free.”UploadA2To send a file from your device to the internet.“Please upload your photo to the college website.”SaveA2To keep money or something else for later, or to stop someone being hurt.“She saves a little money each month.”DeleteA2To remove something, especially from a computer or phone.“Please delete the old file from the folder.”CopyA2To make something that is the same as something else.“Please copy the sentences into your notebook.”PasteA2To put copied text or a picture into a document; also to stick with glue.“Copy the address and paste it into the form.”ClickA2To press a button on a mouse or phone, or to make a short sharp sound.“Click the link to open the booking form.”LinkB1A connection between two things; as a verb, to connect.“Researchers found a link between damp homes and asthma.”IconB2A small picture on a screen; also a famous person or symbol that represents something.“The board used a lock icon beside every malpractice warning on the portal.”UpdateB1To make something more modern or to give the newest information.“Please update your notes after class.”InstallB1To put a piece of equipment or software in place so it is ready to use.“They installed a new kitchen last month.”OnlineA2Connected to the internet.“She takes an online course in the evening.”OfflineB1Not connected to the internet; also done in person rather than online.“Submit the form offline at the civic centre if the portal is down.”BroadbandB1A fast internet connection that is always on.“Rural villages still wait for reliable broadband.”NetworkB2A system of connected people, organisations, or equipment; also who you know professionally.“She used her professional network to find a new post.”SignalA2A sound, light, or movement that sends a message.“The cyclist gave a signal before she turned left.”ConnectionB1A link between people, ideas, or systems.“Is there a connection between diet and sleep?”DataB1Facts or figures used for analysis (usually uncountable in UK news and exams).“The exam board published data on remark requests.”DatabaseB1An organised computer store of information that you can search.“Staff could not log exam marks because the database was down.”
Digital Life
CodingB1Writing computer programs; also putting data into codes (often uncountable).“The college added coding to the digital-skills GCSE pathway.”DeveloperB1A person or company that builds houses or writes software.“The housing developer promised more affordable units on the site.”VirusA2A very small thing that can make you ill; also harmful computer software.“A virus kept half the class at home.”CyberB2Relating to computers, the internet, and online networks (usually in compounds: cyber attack).“Quote the cyber-attack figure in the security brief, not a film title.”DigitalB1Using computer technology, or showing information as numbers.“Most people now take digital photos.”VirtualB2Done by computer rather than in person; also almost but not exactly.“The parents’ evening was virtual after the snow closure.”RobotA2A machine that can do jobs, often controlled by a computer.“The factory uses a robot to pack the boxes.”AlgorithmB2A set of rules a computer follows to solve a problem or complete a task.“The search engine uses a complex algorithm.”PostB2The official mail system; also a job, a message online, or to send/publish (verb).“The job post closed at noon; a tweet is not an application.”ShareA2To use or have something with other people.“They shared a taxi.”CommentB1Something you say or write that gives an opinion.“He made a useful comment in class.”FollowA2To go after someone, or to do what instructions say.“Please follow the instructions on the page.”ViralC1Caused by a virus; of content, spreading very fast online.“A viral clip before midnight is still an embargo breach.”BlogB1A website of short articles, usually in date order.“Do not cite a campaign blog as peer-reviewed evidence.”VideoA1A recording of moving pictures that you watch on a screen.“We watched a video in class.”PhotoA1A picture made with a camera.“This is a photo of my family.”CallA1To phone someone, or to say someone’s name loudly.“I will call you this evening.”TextA1A written message sent on a phone.“I sent her a text this morning.”MessageA2A piece of information that you send to someone.“I sent her a message this morning.”ChatA2To talk in a friendly, informal way.“We chatted for an hour after class.”EmojiA1A small picture you send in a message to show a feeling.“She sent a happy emoji.”PrivacyB2Freedom from public attention, or from other people seeing your information.“Privacy notices must cover how oral recordings are stored.”CookieB1A sweet US-style biscuit; also a small file a website stores on a computer.“A cookie on the canteen counter is still a biscuit for the allergen log.”InnovationB2A new idea, method, or product.“The phone was a major innovation.”StorageB2The keeping of things for later use; also space used for that.“Cloud storage of scripts still needs a board-approved portal, IT said.”ReactB1To behave in a particular way because of something that happened.“How did she react to the news?”