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

• argot
• cant
• dialect
• jargon
• jive
• language
• lingo
• patois
• patter
• shop
• shoptalk
• slang
• vocabulary

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

Automated transcription tools may struggle with accuracy, particularly in disciplines with specialized terminology or nuanced language. —Beth Worthy, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

Jane says 'cuckold' is a 'spot-on' description for Diddy Geragos asked about Jane researching lifestyle terminology that could help define their relationship in 2022. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 10 June 2025

Predicting how technology will change our relationship with terminology is challenging, but the need for precise scientific language, including the names of species, will never go away. —Nicholas Green, The Conversation, 3 June 2025

The transition to the name MASH was done to take away some of the stigma associated with older terminology. —Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 31 May 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