theology

noun

the·​ol·​o·​gy thē-ˈä-lə-jē How to pronounce theology (audio)
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
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.
Over time, anyone who really questioned the theology of Biden was eventually kicked out, and the only people remaining in that inner circle are the truest of true believers. Philip Elliott, Time, 20 May 2025 And like any theology, skepticism was not permitted. Scott Detrow, NPR, 19 May 2025 Stephanopoulos — whose education centered around political science and theology — pivoted to journalism after leaving Clinton's administration, investing his career in ABC News and working up from a political analyst to the host of This Week by 2002. Kyler Alvord, People.com, 9 May 2025 Virtues and character development can be understood through different lenses, including theology, philosophy, psychology, education, business, and exercise science. Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for theology

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of theology was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Theology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theology. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

theology

noun
the·​ol·​o·​gy thē-ˈäl-ə-jē How to pronounce theology (audio)
plural theologies
1
: the study of religion
2
: a set of religious beliefs
theologian
ˌthē-ə-ˈlō-jən
noun
theological
-ˈläj-i-kəl
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on theology

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