oncology

noun

on·​col·​o·​gy än-ˈkä-lə-jē How to pronounce oncology (audio)
äŋ-
: a branch of medicine concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and study of cancer
oncological
ˌäŋ-kə-ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce oncology (audio)
adjective
or oncologic
ˌäŋ-kə-ˈlä-jik How to pronounce oncology (audio)
oncologist
än-ˈkä-lə-jist How to pronounce oncology (audio)
äŋ-
noun

Examples of oncology 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.
AstraZeneca and Bristol Myers already compete in oncology, meaning potential regulatory scrutiny on antitrust grounds. — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026 His work pioneered investigations into innovative approaches targeting cancer stem cells and integrative oncology. — Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 BioNTech on Monday named Guido Oelkers, formerly the leader of the Swedish biopharma company Sobi, as its new CEO, as the Covid-19 vaccine developer continues its shift to oncology. — Andrew Joseph, STAT, 3 Aug. 2026 After a diagnosis, the surgery and oncology teams will review whether additional tests are needed to see if the cancer has spread beyond the breast. — Nicole Pajer, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for oncology

Word History

Etymology

onco- + -logy

First Known Use

circa 1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oncology was circa 1857

Rhymes for oncology

See All Rhymes for oncology

Browse Nearby Words

oncological
oncology
oncome
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oncology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oncology. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

oncology

noun
on·​col·​o·​gy än-ˈkäl-ə-jē How to pronounce oncology (audio)
: a branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of tumors

Medical Definition

oncology

noun
on·​col·​o·​gy än-ˈkäl-ə-jē, äŋ- How to pronounce oncology (audio)
plural oncologies
: a branch of medicine concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and study of cancer
oncological
ˌäŋ-kə-ˈläj-i-kəl How to pronounce oncology (audio)
adjective
also oncologic
-ik How to pronounce oncology (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on oncology

Nglish: Translation of oncology for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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