method

noun

meth·od | \ ˈme-thəd

Definition of method

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

3a : 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 capitalized : a dramatic technique by which an actor seeks to gain complete identification with the inner personality of the character being portrayed

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about method

Keep scrolling for more

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

To break it down more specifically, KonMari.com shares the six basic rules of the tidying method: Commit. — Taylor Mead, House Beautiful, "Meet Marie Kondo, Star Of Tidying Up On Netflix," 5 Jan. 2019 The original method was simply to hold one’s pee, which can be extremely uncomfortable and distracting. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "New Device Helps Fighter Pilots Pee at 30,000 Feet," 3 Jan. 2019 There is no clear method to the mayhem, said Jenny Lewin-Jones, a lecturer in English and sociology at the U.K.’s University of Worcester. — Jon Kamp, WSJ, "Worcester Is Reviving, but People Still Can’t Spell It (Forget the Pronunciation)," 19 Dec. 2018 Marley, who just turned 20 earlier this month, told explained that there's no real method to the madness of getting ready for a big event such as Dior's at the Guggenheim. — Chrissy Rutherford, Harper's BAZAAR, "Selah Marley Plays Dress Up with Dior," 15 Nov. 2018 The stars aren't doing us any favors here, but there’s a method to the madness. — Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, "What November's Cancer Horoscope Means for You," 28 Oct. 2018 In a separate experiment, researchers used the method to repair cells from three human siblings with a rare autoimmune disease. — Brett Molina, USA TODAY, "Gene editing technique could improve cancer treatments, other ailments," 12 July 2018 He was convinced that the methods had changed — but not the underlying cruelty. — Carol Marbin Miller, miamiherald, "A victim of vile abuse at Florida reform school, he spent his life fighting for justice," 10 July 2018 There may not be method to Mr. Riley’s madness, but there is a measure of coherence, of intellectual discipline, to his wildness. — New York Times, "Review: ‘Sorry to Bother You,’ but Can I Interest You in a Wild Dystopian Satire?," 2 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'method.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.