methodology
noun
meth·od·ol·o·gy
ˌme-thə-ˈdä-lə-jē 
plural methodologies
1
: a body of methods, rules, and ideas that are important in a science, art, or discipline : a particular procedure or set of procedures
demonstrating library research methodology
the issue is massive revision of teaching methodology—
Bob Samples
Bob SamplesThere have been dozens of studies, using very different methodologies.—Daniel Geschwind, quoted at CNN
Daniel Geschwind, quoted at CNN2
: a science or the study of method
Our … graduate schools of education … are wholeheartedly devoted to methodology.—Mortimer Smith, quoted in American Educator
Mortimer Smith, quoted in American Educator
specifically
: the analysis of the principles or procedures of inquiry in a particular field
Did you know?
Methodology and Science
The methodology employed in an experiment is essential to its success, and bad methodology has spoiled thousands of research projects. So whenever a piece of research is published in a scientific or medical journal, the researchers always carefully describe their methodology; otherwise, other scientists couldn't possibly judge the quality of what they've done.
Examples of methodology in a Sentence
He blamed the failure of their research on poor methodology.
for solving crossword puzzles my usual methodology is to begin by filling in all of the answers I'm reasonably sure of
Recent Examples on the Web
The sarcasm-and-saga methodology is being applied to something that’s too thin to support it.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2026
Typically, agencies adopt recommendations from independent advisory committees on issues including vaccine schedules, environmental standards, or census methodology.
—Katia Riddle, NPR, 3 June 2026
Despite her background, her understanding of images was not really an art historical one, although psychoanalytical methodologies of studying the history of art were emerging.
—Eliza Goodpasture, ARTnews.com, 3 June 2026
According to our budgeting apps ranking methodology, Rocket Money scored the highest, earning the most points overall based on value, reviews, features and support.
—Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for methodology
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2026
Typically, agencies adopt recommendations from independent advisory committees on issues including vaccine schedules, environmental standards, or census methodology.
—Katia Riddle, NPR, 3 June 2026
Despite her background, her understanding of images was not really an art historical one, although psychoanalytical methodologies of studying the history of art were emerging.
—Eliza Goodpasture, ARTnews.com, 3 June 2026
According to our budgeting apps ranking methodology, Rocket Money scored the highest, earning the most points overall based on value, reviews, features and support.
—Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for methodology
Cite this Entry
“Methodology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methodology. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
