Learn key vocabulary for technology and media. Practice talking about phones, apps, and news in everyday English.

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Technology includes the tools people use to do tasks, find information, and stay in touch. A device is one of those tools, such as a phone, tablet, or computer. Media is the content people read, watch, or listen to, such as news, music, video, and podcasts. In daily life, technology and media work together. You use a phone to watch a video, a computer to read the news, or a tablet to listen to music. Words like online, digital, and screen often appear in these situations. Online means connected to the internet. Digital means stored or used by a computer rather than on paper or tape. A screen is the surface where you see information on a device.

A smartphone is a phone that can connect to the internet and run apps. People also say mobile phone or just cell phone in some places. Common parts of a phone include the screen, the button or home button, the speaker, the camera, and the charger port. A tablet looks like a large phone without a regular phone function. A laptop is a computer you can carry and open like a book. When a device has Wi-Fi, it connects to the internet without a cable. Bluetooth connects devices close to each other, such as headphones and a phone. If a device has battery, it can work without being plugged in for a while. To charge a device means to give the battery power again.

Everyday phone and device words
WordDefinitionExample
smartphoneA smartphone is a mobile phone with internet and apps.📱I use my smartphone to check messages.
chargerA charger is a tool that gives power to a device.🔌I need my charger before I leave.
screenA screen is the part of a device you look at.🖥️The screen is bright and easy to read.
batteryA battery is the part that stores power.🔋My battery is almost empty.
headphonesHeadphones are small speakers you wear on your ears.🎧I listen to music with my headphones.
speakerA speaker is the part that makes sound louder.🔊The speaker is very clear on this phone.
cameraA camera is the tool used to take photos or videos.📷The camera takes great pictures.
touchscreenA touchscreen is a screen you control with your fingers.👆You can tap the touchscreen to open an app.
wifiWiFi is the wireless internet connection at home or in public places.📶The cafe has fast WiFi.
signalA signal is the connection your phone has for calls and internet.📡I do not have a good signal here.

On a computer, the desktop is the main screen you see after you start it. A mouse helps you point and click, and a keyboard lets you type. A file is a piece of information saved on a computer, such as a photo, document, or video. A folder holds files together. People often open a file, save a file, or delete a file. To download a file means to bring it from the internet to your device. To upload a file means to send it from your device to the internet. A document is a file with text, such as a letter, report, or form. When you cannot find something, you search for it in a folder, app, or computer. A computer can also restart after a problem or update.

Core computer and file words
WordDefinitionExample
computerA computer is a machine people use to work, study, and go online.💻I write my homework on the computer.
laptopA laptop is a small computer you can carry around.🧳I bring my laptop to class.
desktopA desktop is a computer that stays in one place on a desk.🪑The desktop is in the office.
keyboardA keyboard is the part with keys for typing.⌨️My keyboard is very quiet.
mouseA mouse is the device you move to click things on a computer.🖱️I lost the mouse for this laptop.
folderA folder is a place where you keep related files together.📁I put the photo in the right folder.
fileA file is a single document, picture, or other saved item on a computer.🗂️Please send me the file by email.
documentA document is a file with text or information in it.📄I finished the document before lunch.
downloadTo download means to bring a file from the internet to your device.⬇️I need to download the app.
saveTo save means to keep your work on the device or in an account.💾Remember to save your work.

An app is a program on a phone or tablet that does a specific job. People use apps for maps, messages, photos, banking, shopping, and games. Inside an app, a menu shows choices, and a setting controls how the app works. Phone settings control things like sound, language, brightness, and privacy. The camera app takes photos and videos. The microphone records sound or your voice. The flash gives extra light for a picture. A notification is a message from an app that appears on your screen. You can often turn on or turn off features such as Wi-Fi, location, or airplane mode. A password may be needed before you open some apps or change important settings.

App features and phone settings
WordDefinitionExample
appAn app is a program on a phone or tablet.📲This app helps me learn English.
settingsSettings are the options that control how a device works.⚙️I changed the settings on my phone.
notificationA notification is a message that tells you something new.🔔I got a notification about my package.
updateAn update is a new version that improves an app or device.🆕The phone needs an update.
camera rollThe camera roll is the place where your photos and videos are stored.🖼️I found the photo in my camera roll.
microphoneA microphone is the part that records your voice.🎙️The microphone works well during calls.
volumeVolume is the loudness of sound.🔈Please turn down the volume.
brightnessBrightness is the amount of light on a screen.🌞I lowered the brightness at night.
permissionA permission is the allowance an app asks for to use a feature.✅This app asks for permission to use the camera.
profileA profile is the personal page or account information you use in an app.👤I added a photo to my profile.

When you use the internet, you log in with a username and password. If you forget your password, you may need to reset it. A profile is the information linked to your account. To click a link, open a website, or scroll down a page are common online actions. You can search for information, browse a site, or download a file. Safety words matter too. Privacy is control over who can see your information. A public post can be seen by many people, while a private account limits access. A scam is a trick used to steal money or information. Spam is unwanted messages, often advertisements or fake alerts. If something looks wrong, you report it, block the sender, and change your password if needed.

Online actions and safety words
WordDefinitionExample
log inTo log in means to enter your account and start using it.🔐I log in with my email address.
log outTo log out means to leave your account safely.🚪Always log out on a shared computer.
passwordA password is a secret word or code that protects your account.🗝️My password is hard to guess.
securitySecurity is the protection that keeps accounts and data safe.🛡️Good security is important online.
privacyPrivacy is the control you have over your personal information.🤫I check my privacy settings often.
spamSpam is the unwanted messages or emails people send in large numbers.📨That email looks like spam.
virusA virus is a harmful program that can damage a device.🦠My computer has a virus warning.
blockTo block means to stop a person or account from contacting you.🚫I will block that fake account.
reportTo report means to tell the app or website about a problem or bad behavior.📣Please report the suspicious message.
backupA backup is a copy of your data kept in a safe place.🗄️I made a backup of my photos.

Media includes news, films, shows, music, and online content. A video shows moving images, and a clip is a short video. A movie is a long film, while a show can be a TV program or a streaming series. A podcast is an audio program you listen to online. A song is a single piece of music, and a playlist is a group of songs arranged together. People stream music, video, or podcasts when they play them over the internet instead of saving them first. A channel is an account or station that publishes content. A trailer is a short preview for a movie or show. Words like live, episode, and season appear often in entertainment apps and websites.

Media and entertainment vocabulary
WordDefinitionExample
videoA video is a moving recording you can watch on a screen.🎬I watched a funny video online.
musicMusic is the sound people listen to for enjoyment.🎵I play music while I cook.
podcastA podcast is a recorded audio show people listen to online.🎙️I heard a travel podcast this morning.
streamingStreaming is the playing of video or music over the internet without downloading it first.📺We use streaming for movies at home.
channelA channel is a place where one person or company shares videos or shows.📡I follow a cooking channel.
episodeAn episode is a single part of a series or podcast.📼The new episode is very interesting.
playlistA playlist is a group of songs or videos saved together.🎶I made a workout playlist.
subtitleA subtitle is a line of text that shows the spoken words on screen.💬I use subtitles when the audio is fast.
liveLive means happening right now and being broadcast at the same time.🔴The concert is live tonight.
downloadTo download media means to save it to your device for later use.⬇️I download songs for my trip.

To message someone means to send a short written note through an app or site. You can send a photo, share a post, or forward a link to another person. A link takes you to a website, video, or file. People post pictures, comments, or updates on social media. To comment means to write a response under a post. To follow a person or account means to see their new posts more easily. A chat is a conversation by text, voice, or video. Inbox is the place where messages arrive. An attachment is a file sent with a message. In daily online communication, people also reply, tag someone, and mention a name in a post or message.

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You can talk about technology, media, and online communication.

You learned core words for technology and media (device, media, online, screen), how smartphones and computers work (Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth, files/folders, download/upload), and how apps and settings control actions like camera, notifications, and privacy. You also practiced safer online language (log in/reset, privacy, scam/spam, report/block) and essential media/communication vocabulary (stream, episodes/seasons, message/post/comment/chat, inbox, link, attachment).

Suggested Modules: A2

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Last updated: Mon Jul 13, 2026, 6:53 PM