method

noun

meth·​od ˈme-thəd How to pronounce method (audio)
1
: a procedure or process for attaining an object: such as
a(1)
: a systematic procedure, technique, or mode of inquiry employed by or proper to a particular discipline or art
(2)
: a systematic plan followed in presenting material for instruction
the lecture method
b(1)
: a way, technique, or process of or for doing something
often slow in their business methodsT. R. Ybarra
(2)
: a body of skills or techniques
in the art of the novel, heavily armed with methodJ. D. Scott
2
: a discipline that deals with the principles and techniques of scientific inquiry
3
a
: orderly arrangement, development, or classification : plan
The book is completely lacking in method.
b
: the habitual practice of orderliness and regularity
time enough to do everything if only you used methodAngela Thirkell
4
capitalized : a dramatic technique by which an actor seeks to gain complete identification with the inner personality of the character being portrayed
Choose the Right Synonym for method

method, mode, manner, way, fashion, system mean the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end.

method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps.

effective teaching methods

mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference.

the preferred mode of transportation

manner is close to mode but may imply a procedure or method that is individual or distinctive.

an odd manner of conducting

way is very general and may be used for any of the preceding words.

has her own way of doing things

fashion may suggest a peculiar or characteristic way of doing something.

rushing about in his typical fashion

system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness.

a filing system

Examples of method in a Sentence

He claims to have developed a new method for growing tomatoes. Their teaching method tries to adapt lessons to each student. We need to adopt more modern methods of doing things.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Both cases raise serious questions about OpenAI’s methods, culture, direction, and future. David Meyer, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024 The remaining 12 clubs were playoff quality according to this method. Tony Blengino, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 The design duo has repeated this move in residential projects for clients as a method for opening a floor plan, giving the suggestion of a separate space without completely closing it off. Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 24 Oct. 2024 Using this method eliminates the need for blind baking the crust. Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for method 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, prescribed treatment, from Latin methodus, from Greek methodos, from meta- + hodos way

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of method was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near method

Cite this Entry

“Method.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/method. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

method

noun
meth·​od ˈmeth-əd How to pronounce method (audio)
1
: a way, plan, or procedure for doing something
2
: orderly arrangement

Medical Definition

method

noun
meth·​od ˈmeth-əd How to pronounce method (audio)
: a procedure or process for attaining an object: as
a
: a systematic procedure, technique, or mode of inquiry employed by or proper to a particular discipline see scientific method
b
: a way, technique, or process of or for doing something

More from Merriam-Webster on method

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