typology

noun

ty·​pol·​o·​gy tī-ˈpä-lə-jē 

plural typologies

1

: study of or analysis or classification based on types or categories

2

: a doctrine of theological types

especially : one holding that things in Christian belief are prefigured or symbolized by things in the Old Testament

typologist

tī-ˈpä-lə-jist 

noun

Examples of typology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers propose theories and typologies of madness and offer advice for health-care professionals. — Sam Kestenbaum, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026

Established in 2009, Formafantasma’s practice embraces a spectrum of typologies and methods, from product design through spatial design, strategic planning and design consultancy. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

On the backend, a thorough typology for deciding which tasks can be automated needs to be in place. — Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

The enneagram is a personality typology that's been gaining more attention recently, from being featured on Amy Poehler's podcast to being talked about on TikTok and other social media platforms. — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for typology

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

Medical Definition

typology

noun

ty·​pol·​o·​gy tī-ˈpäl-ə-jē 

plural typologies

: study of or study based on types

especially : classification (as of personality, human physique, or bacterial strains) based on the comparative study of types

typological

ˌtī-pə-ˈläj-i-kəl 

adjective