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

This modern methodology, also frequently employed by ascendent jazz jammers SML, adds artful friction to the Prairiewolf terroir. — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 17 July 2026

But Hsu stands by the survey’s soundness and its methodology, which in recent years shifted to gathering survey responses online rather than over the phone. — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

Then, building from this methodology, the top 30% (on average) of general acute care hospitals in each state were calculated. — Rachel Rabkin Peachman, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Our methodology To find the best business insurance for online and e-commerce companies, CNBC Select collected hundreds of data points on more than 10 companies offering business insurance. — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 16 July 2026

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