astrology

noun

as·​trol·​o·​gy ə-ˈsträ-lə-jē How to pronounce astrology (audio)
Synonyms of astrologynext
1
: the divination of the supposed influences of the stars and planets on human affairs and terrestrial events by their positions and aspects
2
archaic : astronomy
astrological adjective
astrologically adverb

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The Difference Between Astronomy and Astrology

Some may find it easy to confuse astronomy and astrology. At one time, these two words actually were synonymous (that is, astronomy once meant what astrology means today), but they have since moved apart from each other. In current use, astronomy is concerned with “the study of objects and matter outside the earth's atmosphere,” while astrology is the purported divination of how stars and planets influence our lives. Put bluntly, astronomy is a science, and astrology is not.

Examples of astrology 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.
For generations, people have turned to psychics, astrology charts or tarot cards for reassurance. Ziv Epstein, Fortune, 16 May 2026 For generations, people have turned to psychics, astrology charts or tarot cards for reassurance. Vana Goblot, The Conversation, 13 May 2026 Today’s astrology brings focus to home, family and your inner world, bringing something about your personal life up for review. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026 Spiritual elements such as indigenous rituals, sound healing or astrology workshops sometimes round out the schedule. Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for astrology

Word History

Etymology

Middle English astrologie "study of celestial bodies, prediction by observing the configuration of celestial bodies," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French astrologie, borrowed from Latin astrologia "study of celestial bodies," borrowed from Greek astrología, from astro- astro- + -logia -logy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of astrology was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Astrology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astrology. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

astrology

noun
as·​trol·​o·​gy ə-ˈsträl-ə-jē How to pronounce astrology (audio)
: the study of the supposed influences of the stars on human affairs by their positions in relation to each other
astrologer
-jər
noun
astrological adjective
astrologically adverb
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