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 puzzle of how to marry theology and extraterrestrial life predates the current surge in UAP disclosures. — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 6 Aug. 2026

Other information voters should know Peyton grew up in Kansas City and is working toward a master’s degree in theology. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026

The board is made up of experts in several fields, including philosophy, engineering, enterprise AI, theology and higher education. — Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026

His political project requires weakening the international institutions—the UN, EU regulatory bodies, multilateral climate frameworks—that his theology now identifies as potential instruments of the Antichrist’s rule. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 18 July 2026

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

• ology
• aetiology
• anthropology
• archaeology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• cosmetology
• criminology
• demonology

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