methodology

American  

[meth-uh-dol-uh-jee] / ˌmɛθ əˈdɒl ə dʒi /

noun

• methodologies
  plural

1. a set or system of methods, principles, and rules for regulating a given discipline, as in the arts or sciences.

2. Philosophy.

   1. the underlying principles and rules of organization of a philosophical system or inquiry procedure.

   2. the study of the principles underlying the organization of the various sciences and the conduct of scientific inquiry.

3. Education. a branch of pedagogics dealing with analysis and evaluation of subjects to be taught and of the methods of teaching them.

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methodology British  

/ ˌmɛθəˈdɒlədʒɪ, ˌmɛθədəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

1. the system of methods and principles used in a particular discipline

2. the branch of philosophy concerned with the science of method and procedure

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• methodologist
  noun
• methodological
  adjective
• methodologically
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• methodologies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of methodology

From the New Latin word methodologia, dating back to 1790–1800. See method, -o-, -logy

Explanation

A methodology is a plan-of-attack, especially when that plan-of-attack is used repeatedly. This might be obvious, but the word methodology is related to the word method. In fact, a methodology is a system of methods followed consistently. Scientists, for example, use various methodologies as they perform experiments. It might seem like the world is nothing but chaos and disorder. But actually, sometimes there is a method to this madness. And sometimes there’s a methodology.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

methodology methodologies

The BLS has calculated how much the CPI would have grown over the last five decades had its current methodology been used at every point along the way over those five decades.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 1, 2026

"We are working on a new and realistic methodology, let's say, which will help us reach our common aim to do something different this time after the experiences of 2004 and 2017," Erhuman said.

From Barron's ● Jul. 28, 2026

Reilly’s particular genius lay in the methodology — vertical integration — he brought to campaigns.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 26, 2026

There have since been substantial changes in coaching methodology at Chelsea.

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026

The staff did not greet the Joliots’ achievement as joyously as Madame Curie, for the discovery was another reproach to their slapdash methodology.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

But Prof Johnes said such a comparison is misleading, because of varying methodologies across nations.

From BBC ● Aug. 6, 2026

Castle said that, while he might criticize some of the government agency’s numbers or methodologies, he believes in the importance of the USDA, saying it’s “still the envy of the world in this sector.”

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 18, 2026

There are four primary methodologies used in quantum computing: superconducting, neutral atoms, trapped ions, and photonics.

From Barron's ● May 21, 2026

Without speaking to any specific studies, Levine said that different methodologies could yield contradictory results.

From Salon ● May 15, 2026

People’s image of science is unfortunately often based on physics and a few other fields with similar methodologies.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Related Words

• mode
• procedure
• technique