theology

noun

the·​ol·​o·​gy thē-ˈä-lə-jē 

plural theologies

1

: the study of religious faith, practice, and experience

especially : the study of God and of God's relation to the world

2

a

: a theological theory or system

Thomist theology

a theology of atonement

b

: a distinctive body of theological opinion

Catholic theology

3

: a usually 4-year course of specialized religious training in a Roman Catholic major seminary

Examples of theology in a Sentence

He has an interest in theology and pastoral work.

The bishop was opposed to the group's theology.

Recent Examples on the Web

His remarks were the first strike in a long campaign against the new Latin American theology. —Paul Elie, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026

Behind its doors lie over 60,000 volumes, including rare 16th- and 17th-century works in medicine, law, and theology, many bound in leather and gold. —Navya Verma, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Jan. 2026

His theology is that of Martin Luther’s theses and the Protestant Reformation, worn smooth, still floating through time. —Sam Kestenbaum, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2026

And yet the Friend’s theology was heavy on judgment—and Judgment Day. —Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English theologie, from Anglo-French, from Latin theologia, from Greek, from the- + -logia -logy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing theology

• dogmatic theology
• liberation theology
• natural theology
• practical theology
• systematic theology

Rhymes for theology

• anthology
• apology
• astrology
• biology
• christology
• chronology
• conchology
• cosmology
• cryptology
• cytology
• doxology
• ecology

Kids Definition

theology

noun

the·​ol·​o·​gy thē-ˈäl-ə-jē 

plural theologies

1

: the study of religion

2

: a set of religious beliefs

theologian

ˌthē-ə-ˈlō-jən

noun

theological

-ˈläj-i-kəl

adjective