ecology
noun
ecol·o·gy
i-ˈkä-lə-jē 
e-
plural ecologies
1
: a branch of science concerned with the interrelationship of organisms and their environments
2
: the totality or pattern of relations between organisms and their environment
3
4
: environment, climate
the moral ecology
also
: an often delicate or intricate system or complex
the ecology of language
Examples of ecology in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The essays discuss his relationships with the Ottoman Empire, Colombia, and Rome, and consider his legacy in the context of Indigenous and settler histories, slavery, science, ecology, and religion.
—
Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Beyond bear sightings, the Hillmans offer insight into Tlingit culture, local ecology, and traditional knowledge.
—Debbie Olsen, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2026
Not unlike crime scenes, forensic ecology is turning out to provide a window into what’s ailing the turtles.
—Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 2 May 2026
The 37-year-old artist has gained international attention for her darkly humorous videos and installations that explore Indigenous identity and cosmologies, ecology, futurism, and the line between history and myth.
—Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ecology
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Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Beyond bear sightings, the Hillmans offer insight into Tlingit culture, local ecology, and traditional knowledge.
—Debbie Olsen, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2026
Not unlike crime scenes, forensic ecology is turning out to provide a window into what’s ailing the turtles.
—Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 2 May 2026
The 37-year-old artist has gained international attention for her darkly humorous videos and installations that explore Indigenous identity and cosmologies, ecology, futurism, and the line between history and myth.
—Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ecology
Cite this Entry
“Ecology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ecology. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ecology
noun
ecol·o·gy
i-ˈkäl-ə-jē
e-
1
: a branch of science concerned with the relationships between living things and their environment
2
: the pattern of relationships between a group of living things and their environment
Medical Definition
ecology
noun
ecol·o·gy
-jē
plural ecologies
1
: a branch of science concerned with the interrelationship of organisms and their environments
2
: the totality or pattern of relations between organisms and their environment
3
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