terminology

noun

ter·​mi·​nol·​o·​gy ˌtər-mə-ˈnä-lə-jē 

plural terminologies

1

: the technical or special terms used in a business, art, science, or special subject

2

: nomenclature as a field of study

terminological

ˌtər-mə-nə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

adjective

terminologically

ˌtər-mə-nə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of terminology

• vocabulary
• dialect
• language
• slang
• jargon
• idiom

Examples of terminology in a Sentence

a lexicon covering the terminologies of several scientific fields

the terminology favored by sportscasters

Recent Examples on the Web

Contracts, terminology, databases and market reports. —Allen Buchanan, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026

In both her case and the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, officials used terminology once reserved for mass‑casualty attacks to describe unarmed civilians attempting to drive away, film an encounter, or help a stranger to her feet. —Andrew Weinstein, Time, 28 Jan. 2026

But the only certain change is terminology, as all NFL offenses borrow concepts from each other. —Dianna Russini, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2026

Most of Williams’ professional playing time thus far has come with the G League Maine Celtics, who utilize the same system and terminology as their parent club. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 27 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin terminus term, expression (from Latin, limit) + English -o- + -logy

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for terminology

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

Kids Definition

terminology

noun

ter·​mi·​nol·​o·​gy ˌtər-mə-ˈnäl-ə-jē 

plural terminologies

: the special terms or expressions used in a field

the terminology of law