methodology
noun
meth·od·ol·o·gy
ˌme-thə-ˈdä-lə-jē 
plural methodologies
1
: a body of methods, rules, and ideas that are important in a science, art, or discipline : a particular procedure or set of procedures
demonstrating library research methodology
the issue is massive revision of teaching methodology—
Bob Samples
Bob SamplesThere have been dozens of studies, using very different methodologies.—Daniel Geschwind, quoted at CNN
Daniel Geschwind, quoted at CNN2
: a science or the study of method
Our … graduate schools of education … are wholeheartedly devoted to methodology.—Mortimer Smith, quoted in American Educator
Mortimer Smith, quoted in American Educator
specifically
: the analysis of the principles or procedures of inquiry in a particular field
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Methodology and Science
The methodology employed in an experiment is essential to its success, and bad methodology has spoiled thousands of research projects. So whenever a piece of research is published in a scientific or medical journal, the researchers always carefully describe their methodology; otherwise, other scientists couldn't possibly judge the quality of what they've done.
Examples of methodology in a Sentence
He blamed the failure of their research on poor methodology.
for solving crossword puzzles my usual methodology is to begin by filling in all of the answers I'm reasonably sure of
Recent Examples on the Web
For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
—Sarah Han, Allure, 15 Mar. 2026
The methodology says that the fundraising totals considered were based on semi-annual reports campaigns filed with the California Secretary of State’s office.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
Those hospitals − including the five Palm Beach hospitals − will be scored using a new methodology by Fall 2026 Binder said.
—Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026
See more on our methodology below.
—Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for methodology
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Sarah Han, Allure, 15 Mar. 2026
The methodology says that the fundraising totals considered were based on semi-annual reports campaigns filed with the California Secretary of State’s office.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2026
Those hospitals − including the five Palm Beach hospitals − will be scored using a new methodology by Fall 2026 Binder said.
—Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026
See more on our methodology below.
—Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for methodology
Cite this Entry
“Methodology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methodology. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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