geology

noun

ge·​ol·​o·​gy jē-ˈä-lə-jē 

plural geologies

1

a

: a science that deals with the history of the earth and its life especially as recorded in rocks

b

: a study of the solid matter of a celestial body (such as the moon)

2

: geologic features

the geology of Arizona

3

: a treatise on geology

geologist

jē-ˈä-lə-jist 

noun

Examples of geology in a Sentence

learning about the geology of Hawaii

Recent Examples on the Web

But geology maps of the Riau islands show that they are dominated by granite, which is not an ideal rock type to preserve fossils. —Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025

Those who are not well versed in the history of our planet’s long-term geology are often not aware that Earth's climate and its oceans have waxed and waned over millions and billions of years. —Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Because of its unique geology, the state has one of the largest concentrations of freshwater springs anywhere in the world. —Greg Allen, NPR, 17 Jan. 2025

The payloads will include experiments to study lunar geology, test new technologies for future human missions, and gather data on the Moon’s environment. —Zhenbo Wang, Discover Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin geologia, from ge- + -logia -logy

First Known Use

1735, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

geology

noun

ge·​ol·​o·​gy jē-ˈäl-ə-jē 

plural geologies

1

a

: a science that deals with the history of the earth and its life especially as recorded in rocks

b

: a study of the features of a heavenly body (as the moon)

2

: the geologic features (as mountains or plains) of an area

geologic

ˌjē-ə-ˈläj-ik

adjective

or geological

-i-kəl

geologically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb

geologist

jē-ˈäl-ə-jəst 

noun