anthropology

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

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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

His work has appeared in publications including Science News, Science, Nature, and Scientific American. paleontology anthropology 1 free article left Want More? —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 25 June 2024

But these encounters with a Yaqui shaman were fabricated, and his body of work, originating from his anthropology thesis at UCLA, was discredited and has been extensively debunked. —Longreads, 21 June 2024

Among them was a team of 21 expedition specialists who would prove to be the most critical element of this trip: experts who imparted their wisdom in an array of fields, from marine biology and anthropology to astronomy and geology. —Marcia Desanctis, Travel + Leisure, 19 June 2024

Once an anthropology examination was done, investigators learned the woman was Black or biracial, between 18 and 24 years old, had a slight build, stood between 5-foot-3 and 5-foot-6. —Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 17 June 2024

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

Phrases Containing anthropology

• cultural anthropology
• physical anthropology

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