anthropology

noun

an·​thro·​pol·​o·​gy ˌan(t)-thrə-ˈpä-lə-jē How to pronounce anthropology (audio)
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 adjective
anthropologically adverb
anthropologist noun

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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 To artist and former hospice volunteer Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg, who is archiving 20,000 flags from the memorial with anthropology professor Sarah E. Wagner, the nation’s reckoning with loss is just beginning. Jenna Portnoy, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2024 Delve into the evolutionary biology and anthropology behind this phenomenon to understand its profound impact on human behavior, relationships, and societal dynamics, offering a nuanced view of human evolutionary adaptations. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for anthropology 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'anthropology.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of anthropology was in 1593

Dictionary Entries Near anthropology

Cite this Entry

“Anthropology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anthropology. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

anthropology

noun
an·​thro·​pol·​o·​gy ˌan(t)-thrə-ˈpäl-ə-jē How to pronounce anthropology (audio)
: the science of human beings and especially of their physical characteristics, their origin, their environment and social relations, and their culture
anthropological adjective
anthropologist noun

Medical Definition

anthropology

noun
an·​thro·​pol·​o·​gy ˌan(t)-thrə-ˈpäl-ə-jē How to pronounce anthropology (audio)
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 adjective
anthropologically adverb
anthropologist noun

More from Merriam-Webster on anthropology

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