ecology

noun

ecol·​o·​gy i-ˈkä-lə-jē How to pronounce ecology (audio)
e-
plural ecologies
1
: a branch of science concerned with the interrelationship of organisms and their environments
2
: the totality or pattern of relations between organisms and their environment
3
: human ecology
4
: environment, climate
the moral ecology
also : an often delicate or intricate system or complex
the ecology of language
ecologist
i-ˈkä-lə-jist How to pronounce ecology (audio)
e-
noun

Examples of ecology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Students may earn academic credit through outdoor leadership, wilderness medicine, whitewater rafting, marine ecology, and climate justice, demonstrating an approach to higher education that few institutions attempt. — Scott White, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 In his essay, a Saline resident states that her faith in democracy is being tested, echoing sentiments expressed in communities across the country by people who understand that their ecology and health are at stake as these facilities proliferate. — Rana Mitter, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026 This year’s Kiaf HIGHLIGHTS will engage with work that thematically explores materiality, ecology, and Eastern philosophy. — News Desk, Artforum, 31 July 2026 Fires have burned 590 square miles this year in Spain — six times the area scorched by blazes in the first half of last year, said Sara Aagesen, the ecology minister. — Joseph Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ecology

Word History

Etymology

German Ökologie, from öko- eco- + -logie -logy

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ecology was in 1875

Phrases Containing ecology

Rhymes for ecology

See All Rhymes for ecology

Browse Nearby Words

ecological subspecies
ecology
e-commerce
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ecology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ecology. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ecology

noun
ecol·​o·​gy i-ˈkäl-ə-jē How to pronounce ecology (audio)
e-
1
: a branch of science concerned with the relationships between living things and their environment
2
: the pattern of relationships between a group of living things and their environment
ecological
ˌē-kə-ˈläj-i-kəl How to pronounce ecology (audio) ˌek-ə- How to pronounce ecology (audio)
adjective
also ecologic
-ˈläj-ik How to pronounce ecology (audio)
ecologically
-ˈläj-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce ecology (audio)
adverb

Medical Definition

ecology

noun
ecol·​o·​gy -jē How to pronounce ecology (audio)
plural ecologies
1
: a branch of science concerned with the interrelationship of organisms and their environments
2
: the totality or pattern of relations between organisms and their environment
3
: human ecology
ecological
ˌē-kə-ˈläj-i-kəl How to pronounce ecology (audio) ˌek-ə- How to pronounce ecology (audio)
adjective
also ecologic
-ik How to pronounce ecology (audio)
ecologically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce ecology (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on ecology

Nglish: Translation of ecology for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ecology

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