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

But Mark Barton, a Palm Beach County hunter who holds a doctorate degree in ecology, said a similar program has been in place for deer hunting for decades. — Zoey Thomas, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026

Through partnerships such as the Kiernan Scholars Program with Salve Regina University, students gain hands-on field ecology experience and contribute to ongoing research and stewardship efforts. — Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 10 Sep. 2026

Newsom and his administration have touted the deals as a break with years of conflict that will benefit the Delta’s ecology. — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

State ecology inspectors were notified about the September 2017 methyl mercaptan release, saying in emails that a private citizen was hospitalized as a result of exposure to the material. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for ecology

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

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