An updated morphological terminology for adult Syrphidae (Insecta, Diptera) is presented. For some parts, new terms are introduced to more accurately describe the different body parts of Syrphidae. The need for an update and extension of the terminology became evident while preparing species descriptions for the European Union funded Taxo-Fly project on European Syrphidae. The focus of this paper was on European species, although some features have been illustrated based on species from other biogeographic regions. The main part consists of the many figures depicting the different body parts with terminology indicated in each figure. A glossary of all terms used is given in alphabetical order for each body part. The glossary starts with a list of general terminology for the external morphology of adults. A short description for each term is given, together with additional information like synonymous terms.