ecological
adjective
eco·log·i·cal
ˌē-kə-ˈlä-ji-kəl
ˌe-kə-
variants
or less commonly ecologic
ˌē-kə-ˈlä-jik
ˌe-kə-
1
: of or relating to the science of ecology
ecological studies
2
: of or relating to the environments of living things or to the relationships between living things and their environments
The ecological effects of the turf monoculture become even more troubling as large tracts, such as golf courses, displace whole ecosystems in a single stroke.—Adelheid Fischer
In every community in nature, each type of organism has its own specialized role to play in what is called an ecological niche.—William Threlfall
Rush was scoffing at concerns that the schools of sharks gathering off the coast of Florida might be an indication of some harmful ecological change.—Al Franken
The chief of a new environmental protection committee, Fyodor Morgun, blamed the "ill-considered drive to build gigantic plants" for a Pandora's box of ecological problems, including air and water pollution.—William R. Doerner et al.
3
: of or relating to human ecology
Ecological data suggest that in rural areas the availability of family physicians is associated with reduced mortality rate after adjustment for demographic and economic factors.—Peter Franks et al.
ecologically
ˌē-kə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē
adverb
ˌe-kə-
… an ecologically rich river basin …
—Cultural Survival Quarterly
Sustainable agricultural practices involve making choices that are not only ecologically sound but also economically viable and socially just.
—Karin Springen
Cite this Entry
“Ecological.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ecological. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.
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