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

• argot
• cant
• dialect
• jargon
• jive
• language
• lingo
• patois
• patter
• shop
• shoptalk
• slang
• vocabulary

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

The development of new terminology could impact biomarker development and the understanding of liver disease’s natural history, which took decades to establish. —Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 31 May 2025

Trained in the Sanford Meisner method of acting — and not afraid to throw that terminology around! —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 30 May 2025

Torture to order Entering the disturbing world of these networks exposes an entire subculture with its own terminology and hierarchical structure. —Rebecca Wright, CNN Money, 30 May 2025

No new terminology or concepts eating up offseason hours. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 30 May 2025

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