methodology

noun

meth·​od·​ol·​o·​gy ˌme-thə-ˈdä-lə-jē How to pronounce methodology (audio)
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 methodologyBob Samples
2
: the analysis of the principles or procedures of inquiry in a particular field

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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
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.
Given the latest adjustments Nielsen has made to its ratings methodology, February’s broadcast is all but guaranteed to serve up at least 135 million impressions. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2025 But this point isn't fully reflected in the report, UW system spokesperson Mark Pitsch said, potentially because the report relies on methodologies and data that disadvantage low-tuition institutions in states that provide limited aid. Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 15 Oct. 2025 So to work with Rick and find somebody of my generation that had all the same gifts that Peter had, as far as team building, workshopping and methodology of his own cinema education, was amazing. Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 13 Oct. 2025 The politician may have been referring to a 2013 study of eight countries and a 2015 study based in Denmark that claimed to show a link between circumcision and autism, but they have since been strongly criticized by the medical community for their lack of proper scientific methodology. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for methodology

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of methodology was in 1800

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Cite this Entry

“Methodology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methodology. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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