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method

noun
meth·​od | \ ˈme-thəd How to pronounce method (audio) \

Definition of method

1 : a procedure or process for attaining an object: such as
a(1) : a systematic procedure, technique, or mode of inquiry employed by or proper to a particular discipline or art
(2) : a systematic plan followed in presenting material for instruction the lecture method
b(1) : a way, technique, or process of or for doing something often slow in their business methods— T. R. Ybarra
(2) : a body of skills or techniques in the art of the novel, heavily armed with method— J. D. Scott
2 : a discipline that deals with the principles and techniques of scientific inquiry
3a : orderly arrangement, development, or classification : plan The book is completely lacking in method.
b : the habitual practice of orderliness and regularity time enough to do everything if only you used method— Angela Thirkell
4 capitalized : a dramatic technique by which an actor seeks to gain complete identification with the inner personality of the character being portrayed
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about method

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Choose the Right Synonym for method

method, mode, manner, way, fashion, system mean the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end. method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps. effective teaching methods mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference. the preferred mode of transportation manner is close to mode but may imply a procedure or method that is individual or distinctive. an odd manner of conducting way is very general and may be used for any of the preceding words. has her own way of doing things fashion may suggest a peculiar or characteristic way of doing something. rushing about in his typical fashion system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness. a filing system

Examples of method in a Sentence

He claims to have developed a new method for growing tomatoes. Their teaching method tries to adapt lessons to each student. We need to adopt more modern methods of doing things.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Bears coach Matt Nagy defended his team's search for a new kicker after several players who tried out at rookie minicamp were critical of Chicago's methods. — Jenna West, SI.com, "Matt Nagy Responds to Kickers Search: 'Is It Exactly the Perfect Science?'," 22 Aug. 2019 Tobias has employed a number of methods to get information, the most successful of which has been to reregister Yahoo email accounts that Black Axe members have recently stopped using, allowing him to pass as an Axeman. — Sean Williams, Harper's magazine, "The Black Axe," 19 Aug. 2019 Banks use a combination of methods in order to secure checks. — Ellen Airhart, Vox, "Why cashier’s checks are part of so many online scams," 19 Aug. 2019 The Associated Press often does not report details of suicide methods, but has made an exception because Epstein’s cause of death is pertinent to the ongoing investigations. — Michael Balsamo, BostonGlobe.com, "Jeffrey Epstein’s death was a suicide, N.Y. medical examiner finds," 16 Aug. 2019 The Associated Press often does not report details of suicide methods, but has made an exception because Epstein’s cause of death is pertinent to the ongoing investigations. — Los Angeles Times, "Medical examiner rules Epstein death a suicide by hanging," 16 Aug. 2019 The Associated Press often does not report details of suicide methods, but has made an exception because Epstein's cause of death is pertinent to the ongoing investigations. — Anchorage Daily News, "Medical examiner rules Epstein death a suicide by hanging," 16 Aug. 2019 The Associated Press often does not report details of suicide methods, but has made an exception because Epstein's cause of death is pertinent to the ongoing investigations. — CBS News, "Jeffrey Epstein's death ruled a suicide by hanging," 16 Aug. 2019 The rules of the method are pretty simple: let go of everything and anything in your home that doesn't spark joy. — Elizabeth Gulino, House Beautiful, "Marie Kondo Says That the One Thing You Shouldn’t KonMari Are Flowers," 15 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'method.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of method

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for method

Middle English, prescribed treatment, from Latin methodus, from Greek methodos, from meta- + hodos way

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More Definitions for method

method

noun
How to pronounce method (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of method

: a way of doing something
formal : a careful or organized plan that controls the way something is done

See the full definition for method in the English Language Learners Dictionary

method

noun
meth·​od | \ ˈme-thəd How to pronounce method (audio) \

Kids Definition of method

1 : a certain way of doing something She uses her own method of teaching.
2 : careful arrangement His work lacks method.

method

noun
meth·​od | \ ˈmeth-əd How to pronounce method (audio) \

Medical Definition of method

: a procedure or process for attaining an object: as
a : a systematic procedure, technique, or mode of inquiry employed by or proper to a particular discipline — see scientific method

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