philology

noun

phi·​lol·​o·​gy fə-ˈlä-lə-jē How to pronounce philology (audio)
 also  fī-
1
: the study of literature and of disciplines relevant to literature or to language as used in literature
2
a
: linguistics
especially : historical and comparative linguistics
b
: the study of human speech especially as the vehicle of literature and as a field of study that sheds light on cultural history
philological adjective
philologically adverb
philologist
fə-ˈlä-lə-jist How to pronounce philology (audio)
 also  fī-
noun

Examples of philology in a Sentence

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.
The images with the strongest connection related to the transport of jars and cloth, said study coauthor Kathryn Kelley, a research fellow in the department of classical philology and Italian studies at the University of Bologna. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024 Kane’s compelling intellectual history of West Africa places Timbuktu within a much broader tradition of Islamic learning in the region, which was home to other medieval knowledge centers and which continues to advance the study of Arabic philology even today. Foreign Affairs, 8 Dec. 2016 The science of philology—how words can alter the meaning and motives of history—cried out for exposure of the unknown. Cynthia Ozick, Harper’s Magazine , 10 Apr. 2023 She is also trained in philology and psychology. Michela Moscufo, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2022 See all Example Sentences for philology 

Word History

Etymology

French philologie, from Latin philologia love of learning and literature, from Greek, from philologos fond of learning and literature, from phil- + logos word, speech — more at legend

First Known Use

1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of philology was in 1522

Dictionary Entries Near philology

Cite this Entry

“Philology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/philology. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

philology

noun
phi·​lol·​o·​gy fə-ˈläl-ə-jē How to pronounce philology (audio)
: the study of language and especially of historical development in languages
philological adjective
philologist noun

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