methodology

noun

meth·​od·​ol·​o·​gy ˌme-thə-ˈdä-lə-jē 

plural methodologies

1

: a body of methods, rules, and postulates employed by a discipline : a particular procedure or set of procedures

demonstrating library research methodology

the issue is massive revision of teaching methodology

—Bob Samples

2

: 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.

Synonyms

• procedure
• policy
• method
• strategy

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

For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete review process and methodology page. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 10 Oct. 2025

What was the methodology of the insurgency at the time? —Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025

And there are so many different methodologies for this type of work. —Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2025

Italy have now taken the methodology in a slightly different direction, asking their under-21s to practise while wearing eye patches. —Phil Hay, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin methodologia, from Latin methodus + -logia -logy

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for methodology

• aetiology
• anthropology
• archaeology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• cosmetology
• criminology
• demonology
• dermatology