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

Testing methodology Extreme forces driving modern aerospace and defense systems expose structural materials to rapid deformation, crushing pressure, and sudden failure. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026

But the methodology Benson and her co-authors used to reach those conclusions 21 years ago has not been generally understood. — Katie Worth, ProPublica, 30 Oct. 2026

Details on the surveys’ methodology, sample sizes and margins of error can be found in the links below. — Laura Beveridge, Washington Post, 30 Oct. 2026

Nielsen’s recent methodology changes may also explain the decline, though CNN and MS NOW posted year-over-year gains in October, likely driven by election-season interest. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 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