anthropology
noun
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The Origin of Anthropology
The word anthropology dates back to the late 16th century, but it was not until the 19th century that it was applied to the academic discipline that now bears its name. In the United States, this field of study is typically divided into four distinct branches: physical (or biological) anthropology, archaeology, cultural (or social) anthropology, and linguistic anthropology.
Anthropology is from the New Latin word anthropologia (“the study of humanity”) and shares its ultimate root in Greek, anthrōpos (“human being”), with a number of other words in English, such as anthropomorphize, philanthropy, and misanthrope.
Examples of anthropology in a Sentence
Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Mar. 2026
Their research helped reshape anthropology, psychology and evolutionary biology.
—Mireya Mayor, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2026
Fleming has nearly 20 years of experience with the Science Museum, serving as curator of anthropology.
—Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 22 Mar. 2026
As an anthropology major, her first job was working on Howard’s African Burial Ground project as an osteological technical assistant doing skeletal analysis of the 490 full human remains that were excavated in lower Manhattan.
—Essence, 22 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for anthropology
Cite this Entry
“Anthropology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anthropology. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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anthropology
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