terminology

noun

ter·​mi·​nol·​o·​gy ˌtər-mə-ˈnä-lə-jē How to pronounce terminology (audio)
plural terminologies
1
: the technical or special terms used in a business, art, science, or special subject
2
: nomenclature as a field of study
terminological adjective
terminologically adverb

Examples of terminology in a Sentence

a lexicon covering the terminologies of several scientific fields the terminology favored by sportscasters
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.
Last year, Jimmy didn’t even know any defensive terminology. Jon Conahan, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 The guidelines contain specific terminology and targets for calories and nutrients that guide federal food aid for mothers and infants, free school lunches and what's served at military bases and in federal prisons. Will Stone, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025 Which means that their terminology won't disappear anytime soon. Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Oct. 2025 The document aims to provide clarity and accuracy in reporting, addressing contemporary issues and nuanced terminology with precision and sensitivity. Nashville Tennessean, 5 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for terminology

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin terminus term, expression (from Latin, limit) + English -o- + -logy

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of terminology was in 1770

Cite this Entry

“Terminology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terminology. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

terminology

noun
ter·​mi·​nol·​o·​gy ˌtər-mə-ˈnäl-ə-jē How to pronounce terminology (audio)
plural terminologies
: the special terms or expressions used in a field
the terminology of law

More from Merriam-Webster on terminology

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