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 world of wellness, especially online, can sometimes be a chaotic mix of terminology and memes. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2025

The Warriors historically don’t practice much at all, so there will be an adjustment period as Butler learns Golden State’s terminology and set plays. —Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2025

Understand the terminology, and understand the difference between a sure bet and a longshot bet. —Scott Thompson, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2025

Bo came into OTAs with a good grasp on the playbook and all the terminology. —Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 4 Feb. 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

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