zoology

noun

zo·​ol·​o·​gy zō-ˈä-lə-jē How to pronounce zoology (audio) zə-ˈwä- How to pronounce zoology (audio)
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
zō-ˈä-lə-jist How to pronounce zoology (audio)
zə-ˈwä-
noun

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin zoologia "study of animals" (in early use often in reference to animals as the source of medicines), from zoo- zoo- + -logia -logy

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of zoology was in 1663

Rhymes for zoology

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Browse Nearby Words

zoologize
zoology
zoom
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Cite this Entry

“Zoology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zoology. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

zoology

noun
zo·​ol·​o·​gy zō-ˈäl-ə-jē How to pronounce zoology (audio) zə-ˈwäl- How to pronounce zoology (audio)
: a branch of biology concerned with the animal kingdom and animal life

Medical Definition

zoology

noun
zo·​ol·​o·​gy zō-ˈäl-ə-jē How to pronounce zoology (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on zoology

Nglish: Translation of zoology for Spanish Speakers

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