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 Phrases Containing method Learn More About method

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 Meta says that its method for counting impressions without regard to how long a user dwells on an ad is common in the digital advertising industry. — Jonathan Vanian, Fortune, 10 June 2022 One of the major keys to improving one’s jumper, Galo says, is to eliminate the number of variables in one’s shot (something his method seeks to do). — Mat Issa, Forbes, 9 June 2022 The challenge to his method of execution is one of a flurry of last-minute appeals by Atwood. — CBS News, 6 June 2022 The challenge to his method of execution is one of a flurry of last-minute appeals by Atwood. — Jacques Billeaud, The Arizona Republic, 5 June 2022 My preferred application method is to use a layer as the last step in my skincare routine and then add a little extra into my foundation to increase my glow factor. — ELLE, 27 May 2022 As usual, their method is to drop you right into a swift, relentlessly naturalistic story in which character and circumstance are frequently revealed in a flurry of white-knuckle action. — Justin Changfilm Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2022 No matter your method of travel, destinations that span rugged retreats to dazzling oceanfront resorts are issuing a siren call. — J.d. Simkins, Sunset Magazine, 23 May 2022 As Romano, 29, grew to love the ritual, the two began gifting each other new bottles and Romano developed his own method. — New York Times, 22 May 2022 See More

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.