terminology

1 of 2

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

terminological

2 of 2

adjective

ter·​mi·​no·​log·​i·​cal ¦tərmənᵊl¦äjə̇kəl 

¦tə̄m-, 

¦təim-, 

-mnə¦lä-, 

-jēk-

: relating to terminology

terminological convenience

pure terminological dispute

terminologically

-k(ə)lē 

-li

adverb

Synonyms of terminology

Noun

• vocabulary
• dialect
• language
• slang
• jargon
• idiom

Examples of terminology in a Sentence

Noun

a lexicon covering the terminologies of several scientific fields

the terminology favored by sportscasters

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Medical bills are often impenetrable documents littered with complex codes and terminology, and sorting through charges and details about insurance coverage can feel intimidating, if not downright paralyzing. — Jennifer Schlinger, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2026

Strip away the new terminology, and AEO is essentially the organic-discovery piece of AI search. — Andrew Higgins, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026

These are scientists, academics, and bureaucrats speaking with their own distinct terminology and often talking past one another. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026

The hardest thing for him was probably learning the terminology. — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Medieval Latin terminus term, expression (from Latin, limit) + English -o- + -logy

First Known Use

Noun

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for terminology

• aetiology
• anthropology
• archaeology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• cosmetology
• criminology
• demonology
• dermatology

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