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

Across the country, states use different terminology to refer to these facilities. — Paige Pfleger, ProPublica, 25 Sep. 2026

By following an idea through scholarship, students can see how terminology shifts, arguments develop, and disagreements emerge, and how their own writing enters that process. — Saurabh Anand, JSTOR Daily, 24 Sep. 2026

The result can be a homepage filled with procedures, devices, awards, credentials and medical terminology without a clear reason to keep going. — Chris Zelig, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

While the terminology can vary based on a deal’s parameters, naming rights, title and presenting sponsorships are present in three of Europe’s Big Five soccer leagues. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 18 Sep. 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