method

noun

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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 And for those who prefer a more visual method, Sharpton has created a Google Map of the more than 50 restaurants, bars, bottle shops, and grocery stores that carry the brew. — al, "Limited edition stout from Ale Sharpton, New Belgium is back on shelves. Here’s where to find it," 30 Mar. 2021 In video taken by onlookers, then-officer Derek Chauvin placed his knee on Floyd’s throat for more than nine minutes — a restraint method that many around the world have called to be banned. — Washington Post, "In echo of George Floyd killing, a woman dies after police in Mexico pin her down," 29 Mar. 2021 More than 1,000 schools across the state have been participating in pool testing, a method in which multiple people’s test samples get bundled together to be processed as just one sample. — BostonGlobe.com, "Massachusetts pool coronavirus testing in schools finds 0.7 percent positivity rate since February," 29 Mar. 2021 But the drawback of such a method is a lack of cohesion and a sense that nothing is permanent. — Jon Meoli, baltimoresun.com, "Second baseman Yolmer Sánchez’s departure shows short-term fixes will make for long road to contending for Orioles | ANALYSIS," 28 Mar. 2021 Using an existing vast network of underwater fiber optic cables, researchers have developed a new method of detecting earthquakes and tsunamis. — Lindsey Mcginnis, The Christian Science Monitor, "Cacao without deforestation? Land reform in Brazil bears fruit.," 26 Mar. 2021 In the future, Kranowitz and Davis have their sights set on making sporting events such as these zero waste as well, and develop a method for diverting all those food scraps, empty water bottles and beer cans away from the landfill. — London Gibson, The Indianapolis Star, "March Madness uses enough energy to power 2,000 homes for a month. But this year, it's carbon neutral.," 25 Mar. 2021 The Alabama lawsuit also challenged a new method being used by the Census Bureau for the first time for protecting participants' privacy, which the state argues produces faulty numbers. — Mike Schneider, Star Tribune, "Redistricting data may be ready a month early, in old format," 18 Mar. 2021 High-scoring firms were ramping up engagement in agroforestry, a more sustainable method of farming cocoa which conserves wildlife and biodiversity and also captures more carbon. — David Vetter, Forbes, "How Sustainable Is Your Easter Chocolate? Candy Companies Ranked, From Good To Rotten," 18 Mar. 2021

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.