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

Alongside the new sirens, the county is also standardizing emergency terminology to reduce confusion during evacuations. —Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026

The demonstration functioned as both performance and lesson, with terminology and technique explained in real time. —J.m. Banks march 3, Kansas City Star, 3 Mar. 2026

Private training academies can even use medical terminology and titles in their company names and certificates. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2026

There's no standard for bagged soil terminology, so always check the label. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Feb. 2026

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