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

But experts said there are substantial questions about the Census Bureau study’s methodology and validity.

From Salon ● Aug. 21, 2026

She said Data-Clear played no role in the analysis, and that any questions about the methodology used should be directed to the Census Bureau.

From Barron's ● Aug. 20, 2026

Capricor also says it revised the methodology before “unblinding” patients and knowing the trial results.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

It’s all standard methodology that Damodaran has made publicly available.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026

It will send the linguists back to India with their tape recorders, because it undermines the critical superstructure of their methodology.

From "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes

When ratings are publicly disclosed, market discipline helps drive reliability because assumptions, methodologies and judgments are scrutinized by investors, analysts and journalists.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 3, 2026

It’s still doubtful if we can get to 100 on some methodologies.

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

"Those sorts of sequencing methodologies are not available everywhere," she added.

From BBC ● May 14, 2026

Blue Team had their databases and matrixes and methodologies for systematically understanding the intentions and capabilities of the enemy.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell

Related Words

• mode
• procedure
• technique