ecology
noun
ecol·o·gy
i-ˈkä-lə-jē 
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
Examples of ecology in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The resort's Star Camp kids club encourages youngsters to be stewards of the land and sea, emphasizing sustainable initiatives such as recycling and ocean ecology.
—
Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
Her background is in conservation, marine biology and ecology, following in the footsteps of her grandfather, John McConnell, founder and creator of Earth Day.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025
Gagne is an associate professor of urban ecology at UNC Charlotte and the chair of the department of earth, environmental and geographical sciences.
—Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025
The ecology of Southern California evolved with fire.
—Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ecology
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Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
Her background is in conservation, marine biology and ecology, following in the footsteps of her grandfather, John McConnell, founder and creator of Earth Day.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025
Gagne is an associate professor of urban ecology at UNC Charlotte and the chair of the department of earth, environmental and geographical sciences.
—Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025
The ecology of Southern California evolved with fire.
—Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ecology
Cite this Entry
“Ecology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ecology. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ecology
noun
ecol·o·gy
i-ˈkäl-ə-jē
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
Medical Definition
ecology
noun
ecol·o·gy
-jē
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
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