methodology

noun

meth·​od·​ol·​o·​gy ˌme-thə-ˈdä-lə-jē How to pronounce methodology (audio)
plural methodologies
1
: a body of methods, rules, and postulates employed by a discipline : a particular procedure or set of procedures
demonstrating library research methodology
the issue is massive revision of teaching methodologyBob Samples
2
: the analysis of the principles or procedures of inquiry in a particular field

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Methodology and Science

The methodology employed in an experiment is essential to its success, and bad methodology has spoiled thousands of research projects. So whenever a piece of research is published in a scientific or medical journal, the researchers always carefully describe their methodology; otherwise, other scientists couldn't possibly judge the quality of what they've done.

Examples of methodology in a Sentence

He blamed the failure of their research on poor methodology. for solving crossword puzzles my usual methodology is to begin by filling in all of the answers I'm reasonably sure of
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 29 Mar. 2025 This methodology aligns with findings from Forrester Research, which reports that companies leveraging VoC programs see customer retention rates increase by up to 55%. Andrea Wasserman, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025 That’s more the method — repetition, for example, or the methodology. Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 To explore potential biases in Sora, WIRED worked with researchers to refine a methodology to test the system. Reece Rogers, WIRED, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for methodology

Word History

Etymology

New Latin methodologia, from Latin methodus + -logia -logy

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of methodology was in 1800

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Cite this Entry

“Methodology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methodology. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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