Techno
/ˈtɛk.noʊ/noun
A style of electronic dance music characterized by repetitive beats and synthesized sounds.
Did you know?Techno ultimately traces back to Greek τέχνη (téchnē), meaning “art” or “craft,” the same root behind words like technique and technology—proof that even our most machine-age words are built from ancient human craft.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
τέχνη (téchnē)
“art, skill, craft, or the practical knowledge of making things”
Late Greek / Classical Latin
Latin
technicus
“belonging to art or skill; technical”
17th–19th Century
English
technical / technology
“relating to art, craft, or systematic knowledge”
20th Century
English
techno
“a clipped form used in compounds and labels for technology-related styles or sounds”
1980s
English
techno
“a genre name for electronic dance music, especially the Detroit-derived style”
Explore more surprising origins