zoology

play

noun zo·ol·o·gy \ zō-ˈä-lə-jē , zə-ˈwä- \

Definition of zoology

1 :a branch of biology concerned with the classification and the properties and vital phenomena of animals

2 a :animal life (as of a region) :fauna

b :the properties and vital phenomena exhibited by an animal, animal type, or group

—

zoologist

play \zō-ˈä-lə-jist, zə-ˈwä-\ noun

See zoology defined for English-language learners

See zoology defined for kids

Recent Examples of zoology from the Web

The course of study included: composition and rhetoric, ancient history, algebra, higher arithmetic, geometry, zoology, physics and Latin.

— mary shepardson, Pomerado News, "A high school for Poway," 5 Aug. 2017
In March that year, Platt’s zoology class hosted a dinner, with Jim as the guest of honor.

— jayson jenks, The Seattle Times, "Western student Jim Okubo went from an ‘enemy alien’ to an American hero," 19 July 2017
The former San Diego State zoology/biology major, who grew up here, works for the Earth Discovery Institute, a small nonprofit based in El Cajon, as its education and outreach biologist.

— doug williams, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Enjoying outdoors is in her DNA," 5 June 2017
Education: Bachelor’s in zoology from the University of New Hampshire; master’s in education from Pepperdine University; doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Southern California.

— miamiherald, "Senior-level hires and promotions in South Florida for the week of June 5, 2017," 5 June 2017
The children will learn how each animal wound up at Zoology.

— joe rubino, The Denver Post, "Douglas County-based Zoology Foundation rolling out ark of educational programs this summer," 5 June 2017
Moser is the acting collections manager for invertebrate zoology.

— jackson landers, Smithsonian, "Why These Humans Are Museum Treasures, Too," 22 May 2017
But despite their shared interest in zoology and animal husbandry, the brothers’ paths diverged greatly as the Nazis rose to power.

— lorraine boissoneault, Smithsonian, "When the Nazis Tried to Bring Animals Back From Extinction," 31 Mar. 2017
For over 50 years, Cunningham kept developing the potential of this study of zoology.

— alastair macaulay, New York Times, "Merce Cunningham’s Multifaceted Mirror, Held Up to Nature," 6 Jan. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'zoology.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of zoology

New Latin zoologia, from zo- + -logia -logy

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1663

See Words from the same year

Other Zoology Terms

altruism, integument

ZOOLOGY Defined for English Language Learners

zoology

play

noun

Definition of zoology for English Language Learners

: the branch of science that involves the study of animals and animal behavior

ZOOLOGY Defined for Kids

zoology

play

noun zo·ol·o·gy \ zō-ˈä-lə-jē \

Definition of zoology for Students

1 :a branch of biology concerned with the study of animals and animal life

2 :animal life (as of a region)

the zoology of Australia

Medical Dictionary

zoology

play

noun zo·ol·o·gy \ zō-ˈäl-ə-jē \

medical Definition of zoology

plural zoologies

1 :a branch of biology that deals with the classification and the properties and vital phenomena of animals

2 :the properties and vital phenomena exhibited by an animal, animal type, or group

Learn More about zoology

See words that rhyme with zoology Spanish Central: Translation of zoology Nglish: Translation of zoology for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of zoology for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up zoology? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

zoology

Definition of zoology

zoologist

Explore M-W

Recent Examples of zoology from the Web

Origin and Etymology of zoology

Other Zoology Terms

ZOOLOGY Defined for English Language Learners

zoology

Definition of zoology for English Language Learners

ZOOLOGY Defined for Kids

zoology

Definition of zoology for Students

Medical Dictionary

zoology

medical Definition of zoology

Learn More about zoology

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

Trending: Kim Jong Un: Trump a 'Dotard'

These Are Fighting Words

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Words of the Year: 1066