methodology

noun

meth·​od·​ol·​o·​gy ˌme-thə-ˈdä-lə-jē 

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 methodology

—Bob 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.

Synonyms

• course
• line
• policy
• procedure
• program

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

Some brief highlights include: Prepare for your DevSecOps journey by first confirming your agile and DevOps methodologies. —Forrester, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

The Product Environmental Footprint is a methodology that would assess how companies measure the environmental impact of their products throughout their entire life cycle, from the start of the supply chain through disposal. —Rhonda Richford, WWD, 5 Dec. 2024

However, its methodology have come under sharp criticism from some scholars and practitioners. —Jen Christensen, CNN, 4 Dec. 2024

Here are the top 10 healthiest cities in America, according to SmartAsset's rankings: San Jose, Calif. Arlington, Va. Seattle Boise City, Idaho Aurora, Colo. Plano, Texas San Francisco Oakland, Calif. Minneapolis Anaheim, Calif. Click here to view SmartAsset's full rankings and methodology. —Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1