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 means recognizing language and terminology specific to your industry and your business. — Tomas Gorny, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Earning certification typically takes two years or more and requires about 95 percent accuracy on dictation testing, command of legal and medical terminology, and in many states a license. — K.h. Koehler, USA Today, 17 July 2026

Planning a trip to see a play or musical and getting tangled up in the terminology? — Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026

Using basic academic terminology would place grants at risk of rejection or termination on political grounds. — ArsTechnica, 2 July 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