high-tech: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to informal in business, marketing, and general contexts. Often used attributively.
Quick answer
What does “high-tech” mean?
Relating to or using advanced and sophisticated technology, especially electronic or digital technology.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to or using advanced and sophisticated technology, especially electronic or digital technology.
Pertaining to a style, design, or product that incorporates cutting-edge technology or whose appearance suggests modernity and advanced technical capability.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'hi-tech' is a common variant in BrE (e.g., in The Guardian style guide), while AmE strongly prefers 'high-tech'. The hyphenated form is standard in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more colloquial and journalistic in tone than 'advanced technology' or 'sophisticated technology'. In AmE, it is the predominant form.
Frequency
More frequent in AmE. In BrE, 'hi-tech' is a common alternative spelling.
Grammar
How to Use “high-tech” in a Sentence
[Adj + N] (a high-tech company)[be + Adj] (The facility is very high-tech.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “high-tech” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not standard as a verb]
American English
- [Not standard as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Rarely used as an adverb; 'in a high-tech way' is more natural]
American English
- [Rarely used as an adverb; 'using high-tech methods' is more natural]
adjective
British English
- The new hi-tech lab is in Cambridge Science Park.
- He works for a hi-tech startup in Shoreditch.
American English
- Silicon Valley is the heart of the high-tech industry.
- We installed a high-tech security system in our home.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a sector of the economy, e.g., 'Jobs in the high-tech sector are growing.'
Academic
Used in economics, sociology, and engineering papers to categorize industries or products.
Everyday
Describes modern gadgets, kitchens, or cars, e.g., 'I love the high-tech features in my new watch.'
Technical
Less common in pure engineering texts, where 'advanced technological' might be preferred for precision.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “high-tech”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “high-tech”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “high-tech”
- Writing as one word 'hightech' (incorrect) or two words 'high tech' when used attributively (e.g., 'a high tech company' is less standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when used as an adjective before a noun (e.g., a high-tech company). It can sometimes be written as two words after a verb (e.g., The industry is high tech), but the hyphenated form is always safe.
'High-tech' specifically relates to advanced technology, often electronic. 'Cutting-edge' is broader and can refer to any field at the forefront of innovation (e.g., cutting-edge medicine, which may not be electronic).
Yes, especially in design and architecture. 'High-tech' as a style (or 'Hi-Tech') uses industrial materials and exposes structural and service elements to create an aesthetic of functionality and modernity.
No, it's a common variant spelling, particularly in British English. However, 'high-tech' is the more universally recognized and standard form.
Relating to or using advanced and sophisticated technology, especially electronic or digital technology.
High-tech is usually neutral to informal in business, marketing, and general contexts. often used attributively. in register.
High-tech: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈtek/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈtek/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no specific idioms; often part of phrases like 'the high-tech corridor' (Silicon Valley etc.)]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HIGH' level of 'TECH'nology = HIGH-TECH.
Conceptual Metaphor
TECHNOLOGY IS HEIGHT (high-tech vs. low-tech).
Practice
Quiz
Which spelling is more commonly accepted in American English?