# Method Hiding

*noun*

say it: **“METH-ud HY-ding”** **/ˈmɛθəd ˈhaɪdɪŋ/**

A derived class method with the same name as an inherited one, not marked override, which runs only through the derived type.

## What is **Method Hiding** in C#?

**Method Hiding** — A derived class declaring a method with the same name as an inherited one, without `override`. The new method only runs through a variable of the derived type; through a base class variable, the base version runs. Mark it `new` to say you meant it.

```csharp
Book item = new Ebook();
Console.WriteLine(item.Describe()); // A book

class Book { public string Describe() => "A book"; }
class Ebook : Book { public new string Describe() => "An ebook"; }
```

## In a sentence

- “Because of **method hiding**, calling Describe() through a Book variable still said "A book".”

Level: Journeyman · [More C# terms at this level](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary?category=c-sharp&level=3)

Updated: October 28, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/method-hiding