ontology
noun
on·tol·o·gy
än-ˈtä-lə-jē 
1
: a branch of metaphysics concerned with the nature and relations of being
Ontology deals with abstract entities.
2
: a particular theory about the nature of being or the kinds of things that have existence
Examples of ontology in a Sentence
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Across the 20th century, a constellation of Black intellectuals and artists approached fashion not merely as ornamentation but as ontology.
—
Achille Tenkiang, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2025
Clinical concepts are intricately linked by a complex ontology that defines relationships between terms.
—Michal Tzuchman Katz Md, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
The result is a wildly original experience that moves beyond mere adaptation and tables fresh questions about cinema’s ontology.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 12 Feb. 2025
In computer science this is called ontology, or the process of formally naming the types, properties and relationships between entities.
—Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 27 Dec. 2019
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Achille Tenkiang, Vogue, 24 Apr. 2025
Clinical concepts are intricately linked by a complex ontology that defines relationships between terms.
—Michal Tzuchman Katz Md, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
The result is a wildly original experience that moves beyond mere adaptation and tables fresh questions about cinema’s ontology.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 12 Feb. 2025
In computer science this is called ontology, or the process of formally naming the types, properties and relationships between entities.
—Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 27 Dec. 2019
See All Example Sentences for ontology
Cite this Entry
“Ontology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ontology. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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