terminology

noun

ter·​mi·​nol·​o·​gy ˌtər-mə-ˈnä-lə-jē 

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

ˌtər-mə-nə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

adjective

terminologically

ˌtər-mə-nə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of terminology

• vocabulary
• dialect
• language
• slang
• jargon
• idiom

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

What sets espresso apart is its unique process and terminology. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2025

Their backing went far beyond location access — the production has had access to military training grounds, tents and vehicles, and even benefited from consultants advising actors on terminology and weapons-handling. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 27 Nov. 2025

The kids turn to their handy, and lengthy, Dungeons & Dragons handbook full of terminology and descriptions that turn out to be useful not only for their game, but for the unexplainable things happening right in front of their faces. —Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2025

The agreement doesn’t define that terminology. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Nov. 2025

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

Rhymes for terminology

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

Kids Definition

terminology

noun

ter·​mi·​nol·​o·​gy ˌtər-mə-ˈnäl-ə-jē 

plural terminologies

: the special terms or expressions used in a field

the terminology of law