method

noun

meth·​od ˈme-thəd 

1

: a procedure or process for attaining an object: such as

a(1)

: a systematic procedure, technique, or mode of inquiry employed by or proper to a particular discipline or art

(2)

: a systematic plan followed in presenting material for instruction

the lecture method

b(1)

: a way, technique, or process of or for doing something

… often slow in their business methods …

—T. R. Ybarra

(2)

: a body of skills or techniques

… in the art of the novel, heavily armed with method.

—J. D. Scott

2

: a discipline that deals with the principles and techniques of scientific inquiry see also scientific method

3

a

formal : orderly arrangement, development, or classification : plan

The book is completely lacking in method.

b

: the habitual practice of orderliness and regularity

… time enough to do everything if only you used method.

—Angela Thirkell

4

Method : a dramatic technique by which an actor seeks to gain complete identification with the inner personality of the character being portrayed see also method actor

Synonyms of method

• approach
• technique
• strategy
• methodology
• way
• manner

Choose the Right Synonym for method

method, mode, manner, way, fashion, system mean the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end.

method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps.

effective teaching methods

mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference.

the preferred mode of transportation

manner is close to mode but may imply a procedure or method that is individual or distinctive.

an odd manner of conducting

way is very general and may be used for any of the preceding words.

has her own way of doing things

fashion may suggest a peculiar or characteristic way of doing something.

rushing about in his typical fashion

system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness.

a filing system

Examples of method in a Sentence

He claims to have developed a new method for growing tomatoes.

Their teaching method tries to adapt lessons to each student.

We need to adopt more modern methods of doing things.

Recent Examples on the Web

Advances in fault-tolerant quantum hardware, improved state-preparation methods, and more efficient algorithms could eventually overcome some of the barriers identified. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026

Put in the work, but change your methods, as the moon harmonizes with Uranus. —Usa Today, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026

Leave the leaf litter in your garden beds next fall as an easy and environmentally friendly method to recycle material and help meet some of a bird’s basic needs. —Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026

Use methods like hand-pulling, hoeing, newspaper or cardboard mulching, and drip irrigation to manage weeds without harming your crops or the soil. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, prescribed treatment, from Latin methodus, from Greek methodos, from meta- + hodos way

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing method

• (a) method in/to one's madness
• method actor
• method of fluxions
• rhythm method
• scientific method
• Stanislavski method
• the scientific method

Kids Definition

method

noun

meth·​od ˈmeth-əd 

1

: a way, plan, or procedure for doing something

2

: orderly arrangement

Medical Definition

method

noun

meth·​od ˈmeth-əd 

: a procedure or process for attaining an object: as

a

: a systematic procedure, technique, or mode of inquiry employed by or proper to a particular discipline see scientific method

b

: a way, technique, or process of or for doing something