ecology

noun

ecol·​o·​gy i-ˈkä-lə-jē How to pronounce ecology (audio)
e-
plural ecologies
1
: a branch of science concerned with the interrelationship of organisms and their environments
2
: the totality or pattern of relations between organisms and their environment
3
4
: environment, climate
the moral ecology
also : an often delicate or intricate system or complex
the ecology of language
ecologist noun

Examples of ecology in a Sentence

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.
Besides their important role in ecosystems, dung beetles are an excellent model group for ecological research because their biology and ecology are relatively well understood, Holzmann said. Doyle Rice, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2026 Jacob Barney, a Virginia Tech ecology professor, says English ivy should not be planted in home gardens. Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 5 Apr. 2026 The couple’s ambitious 200-year vision involves reviving the ecology through peat restoration, bracken rolling, and deer management, but also reenergizing rural communities by creating opportunities through tourism. Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2026 Of course, there is the opportunity to observe the flora and fauna above, on, and under the water, but the state park’s historic Howe House offers interactive exhibits detailing the region’s wildlife and ecology of the lake. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ecology

Word History

Etymology

German Ökologie, from öko- eco- + -logie -logy

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ecology was in 1875

Cite this Entry

“Ecology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ecology. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

ecology

noun
ecol·​o·​gy i-ˈkäl-ə-jē How to pronounce ecology (audio)
e-
1
: a branch of science concerned with the relationships between living things and their environment
2
: the pattern of relationships between a group of living things and their environment
ecological adjective
also ecologic
ecologically adverb

Medical Definition

ecology

noun
ecol·​o·​gy -jē How to pronounce ecology (audio)
plural ecologies
1
: a branch of science concerned with the interrelationship of organisms and their environments
2
: the totality or pattern of relations between organisms and their environment
3
ecological adjective
also ecologic
ecologically adverb

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