cosmology

noun

cos·​mol·​o·​gy käz-ˈmä-lə-jē 

plural cosmologies

1

a

: a branch of metaphysics that deals with the nature of the universe

b

: a theory or doctrine describing the natural order of the universe

2

: a branch of astronomy that deals with the origin, structure, and space-time relationships of the universe

also : a theory dealing with these matters

cosmological

ˌkäz-mə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

adjective

cosmologically

ˌkäz-mə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

cosmologist

käz-ˈmä-lə-jist 

noun

Did you know?

Cosmology and Star Trek

Most religions and cultures include some kind of cosmology to explain the nature of the universe. In modern astronomy, the leading cosmology is still the Big Bang theory, which claims that the universe began with a huge explosion that sent matter and energy spreading out in all directions. One reason why fans watch Star Trek is for the various cosmologies depicted in the show, including different conceptions of space, time, and the meaning of life.

Examples of cosmology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In particular in cosmology and astrophysics because cosmology and astronomy, astrophysics are a very interesting science. — David Brooks, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026

The original impetus for quantum cosmology is to do with the fact that the Big Bang model is based on quantum matter, but classical gravity. — Quanta Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026

For decades, astronomers studying the surroundings of the Milky Way have determined there are too few dwarf satellite galaxies orbiting our own galaxy when compared to predictions made by the standard model of cosmology. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 17 Sep. 2026

The latest catalogue is expected to further encourage international cooperation, particularly in areas such as galaxy evolution, cosmology, large-scale cosmic structures and the identification of possible sources of gravitational waves. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin cosmologia, from Greek kosmos — see cosmic + New Latin -logia -logy

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for cosmology

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

Kids Definition

cosmology

noun

cos·​mol·​o·​gy käz-ˈmäl-ə-jē 

plural cosmologies

: a branch of astronomy that deals with the beginning, structure, and space-time relationships of the universe

cosmologist

-jəst 

noun