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

Sometimes, they're stated in legal terminology that's hard to decipher. —Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 20 Dec. 2024

Mirror the terminology used in the job posting to reflect your alignment with the company’s objectives. —Andrew Fennell, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Invoking scammers’ derogatory terminology, though, is dehumanizing and further perpetuates the stigma that many scam victims feel about having been deceived. —Lily Hay Newman, WIRED, 17 Dec. 2024

For decades, Ted McGinley’s career has been defined by terminology outside of his control. —Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2024

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