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

One method banks are already using is convertible bond issuance. — Mike Bird, WSJ, "China’s Lending Upswing Will Fuel Hybrid Bond Boom," 15 Apr. 2019 Viewers can cast up to 10 votes per AI voting method each week. — Heather Finn, Good Housekeeping, "Here's How to Vote for Your Favorite Contestant on 'American Idol'," 14 Apr. 2019 The move is about convenience as well as a kind of method preparation for her first full-length album, due out this fall. — Hanna Hanra, Vogue, "Model-Musician Rina Sawayama Is a Star On the Rise," 12 Apr. 2019 For a fool proof method and a refreshing drink every time, here's the recipe for a classic margarita, in 3 easy steps. — Leah Silverman, Town & Country, "How to Make the Perfect Margarita," 11 Apr. 2019 Taylor and Charlotte geek out over ingredient organization methods and testing processes. — Annemarie Conte, Woman's Day, "What We Learned After Baking Nothing But Bread for 3 Days," 9 Apr. 2019 Another is to add a rocket motor to bombs or switch your arsenal over to missiles—though both methods would probably take up more room in an aircraft, forcing it to carry fewer weapons. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "This New Air Defense System Can Intercept Aircraft-Dropped Bombs," 4 Apr. 2019 The new paper, with a larger, more diverse sample and more rigorous methods found this: Delaying gratification at age 5 doesn’t say much about your future. — Julia Belluz, Vox, "7 bad science and health ideas that should die with 2018," 26 Dec. 2018 Starting with some bubbles: Pét-Nat or traditional-method sparkling wines, like the wines of Vincent Carême in Vouvray or Damien Delecheneau in Montlouis-sur-Loire. — Laura Giannatempo, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Best Wine to Pair With Turkey, According to Wine Experts," 15 Nov. 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.