methodology

American  

[meth-uh-dol-uh-jee] / ˌmɛθ əˈdɒl ə dʒi /

noun

plural

methodologies

1. a set or system of methods, principles, and rules for regulating a given discipline, as in the arts or sciences.

2. Philosophy.

   1. the underlying principles and rules of organization of a philosophical system or inquiry procedure.

   2. the study of the principles underlying the organization of the various sciences and the conduct of scientific inquiry.

3. Education. a branch of pedagogics dealing with analysis and evaluation of subjects to be taught and of the methods of teaching them.

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methodology British  

/ ˌmɛθəˈdɒlədʒɪ, ˌmɛθədəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

1. the system of methods and principles used in a particular discipline

2. the branch of philosophy concerned with the science of method and procedure

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Other Word Forms

• methodological adjective
• methodologically adverb
• methodologist noun

Etymology

Origin of methodology

From the New Latin word methodologia, dating back to 1790–1800. See method, -o-, -logy

Explanation

A methodology is a plan-of-attack, especially when that plan-of-attack is used repeatedly. This might be obvious, but the word methodology is related to the word method. In fact, a methodology is a system of methods followed consistently. Scientists, for example, use various methodologies as they perform experiments. It might seem like the world is nothing but chaos and disorder. But actually, sometimes there is a method to this madness. And sometimes there’s a methodology.

Example Sentences

Newport said there was not methodology which would allow "real-time testing" to give information "moment by moment".

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

A questionable outlet, the company obtained the results through a methodology so shady it verged on outright dishonesty: They used a definition of “tradwife” that bears no resemblance to the term’s actual meaning.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

A Harvard spokesperson questioned the survey’s methodology and accuracy because it may have allowed duplicate submissions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

In a statement, the firm said it does not comment on speculation, but it noted that any material changes to its methodology would require public consultation.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

The dance of qualitative research design: Metaphor, methodology, and meaning.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Related Words

• mode
• procedure
• technique