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

• vocabulary
• dialect
• language
• slang
• jargon
• idiom

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

Here's the core issue: Healthcare has developed its own complex systems and terminology that AI wasn't designed to handle. —Dhanya Shah, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025

At North Carolina, Belichick’s goal is to run a system that mirrors the pros in everything from training to nutrition to terminology without overloading players. —Matt Baker, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025

International responses are often hampered by terminology. —Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 8 Aug. 2025

There is a session for beginner rowers as well where participants get the opportunity to get out on the water and learn the rowing stroke, rowing terminology, and boat handling skills. —Jessica Hill, Hartford Courant, 29 July 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