ophthalmology

noun

oph·​thal·​mol·​o·​gy ˌäf-thə(l)-ˈmä-lə-jē How to pronounce ophthalmology (audio)
ˌäp-
-ˌthal-
: a branch of medical science dealing with the structure, functions, and diseases of the eye
ophthalmologic
ˌäf-thə(l)-mə-ˈlä-jik How to pronounce ophthalmology (audio)
ˌäp-
-ˌthal-
adjective
or ophthalmological
ophthalmologically adverb

Examples of ophthalmology 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.
This kind of consolidation, known as a cross-market merger, allows companies to accumulate huge collections of doctors — and significant market power — across the country in particular specialties, such as gastroenterology, ophthalmology, pediatrics, or obstetrics. Elisabeth Rosenthal, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2025 If a canine begins bumping into furniture or seems disoriented, veterinarians recommend booking an appointment immediately for proper diagnosis and potential referral to a canine ophthalmology specialist. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025 Wells said in its upgrade of Glaukos that the ophthalmology company is attrative. Michael Bloom, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025 Steinemann, who trains ophthalmology residents, stresses that eye-care professionals should be primed to catch it. Holly Burns, Time, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ophthalmology

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Ophthalmologie, from ophthalmo- ophthalmo- + -logie -logy

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ophthalmology was circa 1842

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ophthalmology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ophthalmology. Accessed 22 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

ophthalmology

noun
oph·​thal·​mol·​o·​gy ˌäf-thə(l)-ˈmäl-ə-jē How to pronounce ophthalmology (audio)
ˌäp-
-ˌthal-
: a branch of medical science dealing with the structure, functions, and diseases of the eye

Medical Definition

ophthalmology

noun
oph·​thal·​mol·​o·​gy -ˈmäl-ə-jē How to pronounce ophthalmology (audio)
plural ophthalmologies
: a branch of medical science dealing with the structure, functions, and diseases of the eye
ophthalmologic adjective
or ophthalmological
ophthalmologically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on ophthalmology

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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