theology

noun

the·​ol·​o·​gy thē-ˈä-lə-jē 

plural theologies

1

: the study of religious faith, practice, and experience

especially : the study of God and of God's relation to the world

2

a

: a theological theory or system

Thomist theology

a theology of atonement

b

: a distinctive body of theological opinion

Catholic theology

3

: a usually 4-year course of specialized religious training in a Roman Catholic major seminary

Examples of theology in a Sentence

He has an interest in theology and pastoral work.

The bishop was opposed to the group's theology.

Recent Examples on the Web

The 24 books comprising the entire Hebrew Bible cover a wide range of topics in history, law, poetry, wisdom, and theology. —Jonathan I. Shenkman, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

Scientists have told us that theology and science don’t belong together, and that only science has the authority to make truth claims about reality. —Gregory J Rummo, Sun Sentinel, 10 Aug. 2025

At Moody, the theology major found purpose leading weekly devotionals in her dorm, guiding her peers in prayer. —Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025

The class is specifically designed to provide an opportunity to ask questions about Christianity and our Lutheran theology. —Carin Schoppmeyer, Arkansas Online, 27 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English theologie, from Anglo-French, from Latin theologia, from Greek, from the- + -logia -logy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing theology

• dogmatic theology
• liberation theology
• natural theology
• practical theology
• systematic theology

Rhymes for theology

• anthology
• apology
• astrology
• biology
• christology
• chronology
• conchology
• cosmology
• cryptology
• cytology
• doxology
• ecology

Kids Definition

theology

noun

the·​ol·​o·​gy thē-ˈäl-ə-jē 

plural theologies

1

: the study of religion

2

: a set of religious beliefs

theologian

ˌthē-ə-ˈlō-jən

noun

theological

-ˈläj-i-kəl

adjective