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

There have been dozens of studies, using very different methodologies.

—Daniel Geschwind, quoted at CNN

2

: a science or the study of method

Our … graduate schools of education … are wholeheartedly devoted to methodology.

—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.

Synonyms of methodology

• 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

The watchlist itself is based on the city’s data on private landlords with a longstanding methodology based on the way that data is collected and categorized by NYC’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 1 Feb. 2026

For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 1 Feb. 2026

The methodology employed helps to trace just how far back genetic conditions travel through our human history to even glean new insights into unknown variants. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026

Advances in personal health technology, prevention strategies, and early detection and screening methodologies offer promising opportunities to intervene earlier and improve long-term outcomes. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026

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