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

There’s no official word from Netflix, but the terminology making it into the code could suggest an imminent launch. —James Peckham, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026

That’s looks-maxxing terminology for becoming really, really hot. —Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026

Proper terminology aside, the vehicular props proved fitting, as the Giants’ evening quickly went off the rails when their ace, Logan Webb, surrendered five runs in the second inning. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026

Pratt also disagreed with DraftKings that its use of the terminology was protected by fair use. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 Mar. 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