methodology

noun

meth·​od·​ol·​o·​gy ˌme-thə-ˈdä-lə-jē 

plural methodologies

1

: a body of methods, rules, and ideas that are important in a science, art, or discipline : a particular procedure or set of procedures

demonstrating library research methodology

the issue is massive revision of teaching methodology

—Bob Samples

There have been dozens of studies, using very different methodologies.

—Daniel Geschwind, quoted at CNN

2

: a science or the study of method

Our … graduate schools of education … are wholeheartedly devoted to methodology.

—Mortimer Smith, quoted in American Educator

specifically : the analysis of the principles or procedures of inquiry in a particular field

Did you know?

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.

Synonyms of methodology

• procedure
• policy
• method
• strategy

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

Calvin Mires, a maritime archaeologist at WHOI and part of the DPAA project, was tasked with recovering the water and sediment samples using the methodology set out by Meyer-Kaiser. —Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025

Challenger’s report does not typically carry the same weight with economists and investors as federal jobs data, owing to its methodology. —Steve Kopack, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025

Its data spans categories, locations and time periods, according to DataWeave's methodology. —Courtney Reagan, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025

The team has developed their methodology using SA Pathways and Protocols, while also building on protocols outlined by the Nuclear Truth Project, which fosters collaboration between First Nations peoples affected by testing. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for methodology

• aetiology
• anthropology
• archaeology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• cosmetology
• criminology
• demonology
• dermatology