methodology

noun

meth·​od·​ol·​o·​gy ˌme-thə-ˈdä-lə-jē How to pronounce methodology (audio)
plural methodologies
1
: a body of methods, rules, and postulates employed by a discipline : a particular procedure or set of procedures
demonstrating library research methodology
the issue is massive revision of teaching methodologyBob Samples
2
: the analysis of the principles or procedures of inquiry in a particular field

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Methodology and Science

The methodology employed in an experiment is essential to its success, and bad methodology has spoiled thousands of research projects. So whenever a piece of research is published in a scientific or medical journal, the researchers always carefully describe their methodology; otherwise, other scientists couldn't possibly judge the quality of what they've done.

Examples of methodology in a Sentence

He blamed the failure of their research on poor methodology. for solving crossword puzzles my usual methodology is to begin by filling in all of the answers I'm reasonably sure of
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Tyler Comes Close to No. 1 on the U.K. Albums Chart On the main Official Albums chart, which tracks the biggest full-lengths and EPs in the U.K. using a general consumption methodology, Don’t Tap the Glass opens at No. 2. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025 That study was a bit controversial, in part for what was perceived to be its condescending tone, along with questions about its methodology. Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2025 That organization develops, innovates, and applies its Montessori Dementia methodology with a specialized team of diverse scientific professionals, according to information from CARD. Chuck Fieldman, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025 Under this year's methodology, the Infrastructure category is worth 16.2% of a state's overall competitiveness score. Scott Cohn, CNBC, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for methodology

Word History

Etymology

New Latin methodologia, from Latin methodus + -logia -logy

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of methodology was in 1800

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Cite this Entry

“Methodology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methodology. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.

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