terminology

noun

ter·​mi·​nol·​o·​gy ˌtər-mə-ˈnä-lə-jē How to pronounce terminology (audio)
plural terminologies
Synonyms of terminology
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 How to pronounce terminology (audio)
adjective
terminologically
ˌtər-mə-nə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce terminology (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of terminology

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When officials disagree, even if legitimate based on terminology, the general public can interpret that disagreement as evidence that officials do not have a solid understanding of the outbreak. — Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 But there’s an interesting conundrum that arises from the terminology itself. — Jennifer Donnelly, Scientific American, 30 Aug. 2026 But those songs hardly suffered for not yet having a common terminology to reference. — Chris Willman, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026 This argument contends that switching terminology would constitute a colossal challenge. — Jo MacKiewicz, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terminology

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of terminology was in 1770

Rhymes for terminology

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Browse Nearby Words

terminological platonism
terminology
term insurance
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Cite this Entry

“Terminology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terminology. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

terminology

noun
ter·​mi·​nol·​o·​gy ˌtər-mə-ˈnäl-ə-jē How to pronounce terminology (audio)
plural terminologies
: the special terms or expressions used in a field
the terminology of law
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