cosmology

noun

cos·​mol·​o·​gy käz-ˈmä-lə-jē 

plural cosmologies

1

a

: a branch of metaphysics that deals with the nature of the universe

b

: a theory or doctrine describing the natural order of the universe

2

: a branch of astronomy that deals with the origin, structure, and space-time relationships of the universe

also : a theory dealing with these matters

cosmological

ˌkäz-mə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

adjective

cosmologically

ˌkäz-mə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

cosmologist

käz-ˈmä-lə-jist 

noun

Did you know?

Cosmology and Star Trek

Most religions and cultures include some kind of cosmology to explain the nature of the universe. In modern astronomy, the leading cosmology is still the Big Bang theory, which claims that the universe began with a huge explosion that sent matter and energy spreading out in all directions. One reason why fans watch Star Trek is for the various cosmologies depicted in the show, including different conceptions of space, time, and the meaning of life.

Examples of cosmology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Scientists are able to deploy the standard model of cosmology on observations of the CMB to make predictions about the universe. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 22 Jan. 2025

What could this be other than a symbolic vanquishing of Mexico—a malignant force in Trump’s cosmology—without having to do more than change one word? —Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2025

According to him, to know is to shatter, to pull apart; a state of knowledge is an exposure of a diverse cosmology that claims to unite a whole. —Hisham Matar, Harper's Magazine, 2 Aug. 2024

Each observation brings us a step nearer to answering some of the most profound questions in cosmology, reminding us of the immense complexity and beauty of the universe. —Victoria Corless, Space.com, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin cosmologia, from Greek kosmos — see cosmic + New Latin -logia -logy

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

cosmology

noun

cos·​mol·​o·​gy käz-ˈmäl-ə-jē 

plural cosmologies

: a branch of astronomy that deals with the beginning, structure, and space-time relationships of the universe

cosmologist

-jəst 

noun