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

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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

Although this method is quite the opposite of a workout studio, celebrities like Selena Gomez and Demi Moore have flocked to Shape House’s five Los Angeles locations to sweat it out. — Michaela Bechler, Vogue, "6 Celebrity-Favorite Fitness Studios in Los Angeles," 12 Apr. 2019 This method produces softer, pillowy gnocchi that are equally delicious with a fancy sauce or a simple sprinkle of cheese and pepper. — Audrey Bruno, SELF, "How to Make Your Own Version of Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi," 9 Apr. 2019 To use this method, wrap some ice cubes in a washcloth and place it on your skin for about ten seconds at a time. — Carolyn Twersky, Seventeen, "A Celebrity Beauty Expert Offers the Best Tips On How to Hide Your Biggest Hickeys," 7 Mar. 2019 This method exposes borrowers and lenders using SOFR to market volatility, as yields in the repo market can move along with the yields on short-term Treasurys. — Daniel Kruger And Telis Demos, WSJ, "The Benchmark Set to Replace Libor Suffers Volatility Spike," 11 Feb. 2019 According to Lucero, this method isn't a true representation of your eye shape. — Maya Allen, Marie Claire, "Exactly How to Do Winged Eyeliner, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists," 31 Jan. 2019 The method for shopping these kitschy knit bralettes and flare trousers is over the phone. — Steff Yotka, Vogue, "After the Highs and Lows of Baja East and Marc Jacobs, John Targon Has a New Brand and a New Lease on Life," 29 Apr. 2019 It can be emotionally charged and complicated; a source of guilt or empowerment; and methods for bringing in cash can be traditional, or for some women, very creative. — Macaela Mackenzie, Glamour, "'I Make $1,700 A Month Selling My Used Underwear on Craigslist'," 26 Mar. 2019 The similarity of the methods for producing champagne and franciacorta mean that the two styles have plenty in common. — Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, "Prosecco Isn't the Champagne of Italy, Franciacorta Is," 15 Mar. 2019

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.