entomology

noun

en·​to·​mol·​o·​gy ˌen-tə-ˈmä-lə-jē How to pronounce entomology (audio)
: a branch of zoology that deals with insects
entomological adjective
entomologically adverb
entomologist noun

Examples of entomology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web How to identify a black widow According to a guide from Purdue University's entomology department, a female black widow is black and about the size of a penny with its legs extended. Jenny Porter Tilley, The Indianapolis Star, 17 Sep. 2024 When do fruit flies go away in Ohio? Ohioans can expect fruit flies to be around until late September or early October, according to Ellen Klinger, associate professor of professional practice for Ohio State University's department of entomology. Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 8 Sep. 2024 To test the spiders’ heart rates, Davis and study coauthor Christina Vu, who was a University of Georgia undergraduate student of entomology at the time, wrangled 79 spiders from two different genera. Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 12 Aug. 2024 Kwak thinks parasitology could take inspiration from disciplines like entomology, which have amateur societies that naturally recruit people to careers studying insects. Hannah Richter, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for entomology 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'entomology.' 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

French entomologie, from Greek entomon insect (from neuter of entomos cut up, from en- + temnein to cut) + French -logie -logy — more at tome

First Known Use

1764, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of entomology was in 1764

Dictionary Entries Near entomology

Cite this Entry

“Entomology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entomology. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

entomology

noun
en·​to·​mol·​o·​gy ˌent-ə-ˈmäl-ə-jē How to pronounce entomology (audio)
: a branch of zoology that deals with insects
entomological adjective

Medical Definition

entomology

noun
en·​to·​mol·​o·​gy ˌent-ə-ˈmäl-ə-jē How to pronounce entomology (audio)
plural entomologies
: a branch of zoology that deals with insects
entomological adjective
entomologically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on entomology

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