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

Including industry-specific terminology and mirroring language from the job advert can strengthen your application and improve your chances of passing initial screening processes. —Andrew Fennell, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

In computing terminology, System 2 compiles its complex high-dimensional, symbolic code into System 1 executables. —Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025

Interior architect and founder of Mild Sauce Studio, Shane Charles, has masterfully offered Black millennials language to define and capture our aesthetic choices, interrupting the Euro-centric terminology that often leaves our experience and taste on the margins. —Virginia Cumberbatch, Essence, 27 Mar. 2025

Others interviewed used less loaded terminology, but came to the same conclusion. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 21 Mar. 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