anthropology

1 of 2

noun

an·​thro·​pol·​o·​gy ˌan(t)-thrə-ˈpä-lə-jē 

1

: the science of human beings

especially : the study of human beings and their ancestors through time and space and in relation to physical character, environmental and social relations, and culture

2

: theology dealing with the origin, nature, and destiny of human beings

anthropological

ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

adjective

anthropologically

ˌan(t)-thrə-pə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

anthropologist

ˌan(t)-thrə-ˈpä-lə-jist 

noun

anthropological

2 of 2

adjective

an·​thro·​po·​log·​i·​cal ¦an(t)-thrə-pə-¦lä-ji-kəl  -(ˌ)thrō- 

-ˌpō-

variants or less commonly anthropologic

¦an(t)-thrə-pə-¦lä-jik, 

-(ˌ)thrō-, 

-ˌpō-

: of or relating to anthropology

anthropologically

¦an(t)-thrə-pə-¦lä-ji-k(ə-)lē 

-(ˌ)thrō-, 

-ˌpō-

adverb

Did you know?

The Origin of Anthropology

The word anthropology dates back to the late 16th century, but it was not until the 19th century that it was applied to the academic discipline that now bears its name. In the United States, this field of study is typically divided into four distinct branches: physical (or biological) anthropology, archaeology, cultural (or social) anthropology, and linguistic anthropology.

Anthropology is from the New Latin word anthropologia (“the study of humanity”) and shares its ultimate root in Greek, anthrōpos (“human being”), with a number of other words in English, such as anthropomorphize, philanthropy, and misanthrope.

Examples of anthropology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Some in anthropology take this further, describing houses and homes as social and symbolic spaces rather than merely physical structures. — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Wild writes that Burroughs had a longstanding interest in archaeology and anthropology, and particularly in hieroglyphics. — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 21 July 2026

Blaming billionaire wealth-hoarding for America’s ills would poll very well among the nation’s anthropology departments. — Gilad Edelman, The Atlantic, 19 July 2026

On a recent day in the Plumas National Forest, Matthew O’Brien, an anthropology professor at Chico State University, worked alongside a handful of students and tribal members. — Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from New Latin anthropologia "study of humanity, science of human nature," from anthropo- anthropo- + -logia -logy

First Known Use

Noun

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing anthropology

• cultural anthropology
• physical anthropology

Rhymes for anthropology

• aetiology
• archaeology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• cosmetology
• criminology
• demonology
• dermatology
• egyptology

Kids Definition

anthropology

noun

an·​thro·​pol·​o·​gy ˌan(t)-thrə-ˈpäl-ə-jē 

: the science of human beings and especially of their physical characteristics, their origin, their environment and social relations, and their culture

anthropological

-pə-ˈläj-i-kəl 

adjective

anthropologist

-ˈpäl-ə-jəst 

noun

Medical Definition

anthropology

noun

an·​thro·​pol·​o·​gy ˌan(t)-thrə-ˈpäl-ə-jē 

plural anthropologies

: the science of humans

especially : the study of humans in relation to distribution, origin, classification, and relationship of races, physical character, environmental and social relations, and culture

anthropological

-pə-ˈläj-i-kəl 

adjective

anthropologically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

anthropologist

ˌan(t)-thrə-ˈpäl-ə-jəst 

noun