geology

noun

ge·​ol·​o·​gy jē-ˈä-lə-jē How to pronounce geology (audio)
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 noun

Examples of geology in a Sentence

learning about the geology of Hawaii
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hard rock and irregularities in the geology can prevent the weapons from reaching target depths and can deflect shock waves, says Raymond Jeanloz, a professor at the University of California at Berkeley who has studied bunker-busters. Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 26 June 2025 The only experience originates from testing it in the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, where the geology consists of alluvial sediments — a relatively soft material. David Bressan, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025 Children can visit the Discovery Room on the second floor for hands-on activities centered around anthropology, paleontology, zoology, astronomy, biology and geology. Maddie Carr, Kansas City Star, 1 June 2025 The area where police are searching is one of the most cave-dense in the state, according to a geology professor at the University of Arkansas. Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for geology

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1735, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of geology was in 1735

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Geology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/geology. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

geology

noun
ge·​ol·​o·​gy jē-ˈäl-ə-jē How to pronounce geology (audio)
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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on geology

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