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

This Trumpian newspeak about Germany — to use George Orwell’s term for the distorted terminology of authoritarians — reveals an indifference to (or ignorance of) history that endangers not only Europe but the United States. —Trudy Rubin, Mercury News, 20 Dec. 2025

Yes, that’s real NBA terminology. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 20 Dec. 2025

The peek behind the scenes, the opportunity to introduce terminology like swing, Captain Wagner’s moment to pipe up about the distinction between a soundtrack and a cast recording — who says TV isn’t educational? —Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025

Under the new policy, the DMV will no longer automatically reject plate requests containing specific LGBTQ terminology, provided the messages meet standard decency and appropriateness criteria that apply to all personalized plates. —Evan Moore december 16, Charlotte Observer, 16 Dec. 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