ecology

noun

ecol·​o·​gy i-ˈkä-lə-jē 

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 

e-

noun

Examples of ecology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Scientists running the Joro Watch project would like your help tracking this newcomer to understand its effects on local ecology. —Bob Hirshon, Discover Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024

Tanton kindles a small fire of twigs inside a metal pitcher, while expounding for the camera about ecology and overpopulation. —Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 19 Oct. 2024

In a dispiriting twist, the person who suffers most from the perverse ecology of online celebrity is Zoé. —Anahid Nersessian, The New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2024

The ongoing relationship with the NTT IndyCar Series supports the values of emotion, energy, ecology, and empowerment. —Bruce Martin, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ecology

• deep ecology
• human ecology

Kids Definition

ecology

noun

ecol·​o·​gy i-ˈkäl-ə-jē 

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  ˌek-ə- 

adjective

also ecologic

-ˈläj-ik 

ecologically

-ˈläj-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

ecology

noun

ecol·​o·​gy -jē 

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  ˌek-ə- 

adjective

also ecologic

-ik 

ecologically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb