methodology
noun
meth·od·ol·o·gy
ˌme-thə-ˈdä-lə-jē 
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 methodology—
Bob Samples
Bob Samples2
: 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
More research with an appropriate sample size, methodology, assessment of patient compliance, and follow-up is needed on the topic.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 21 Aug. 2025
Keep It Practical, Not Perfect There are formal methodologies and structured approaches for problem selection, like Six Sigma.
—Kelly Starman, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Meanwhile, the authors suggest, the same methodology could be used to investigate the tectonics of other planetary bodies, like Mars, that feature faults.
—Sarah Stanley, Space.com, 17 Aug. 2025
To learn more about our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for methodology
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Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 21 Aug. 2025
Keep It Practical, Not Perfect There are formal methodologies and structured approaches for problem selection, like Six Sigma.
—Kelly Starman, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Meanwhile, the authors suggest, the same methodology could be used to investigate the tectonics of other planetary bodies, like Mars, that feature faults.
—Sarah Stanley, Space.com, 17 Aug. 2025
To learn more about our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for methodology
Cite this Entry
“Methodology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methodology. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
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