cosmology
noun
cos·mol·o·gy
käz-ˈmä-lə-jē 
plural cosmologies
1
a
: a branch of metaphysics that deals with the nature of the universe
b
: a theory or doctrine describing the natural order of the universe
2
: a branch of astronomy that deals with the origin, structure, and space-time relationships of the universe
also
: a theory dealing with these matters
Did you know?
Cosmology and Star Trek
Most religions and cultures include some kind of cosmology to explain the nature of the universe. In modern astronomy, the leading cosmology is still the Big Bang theory, which claims that the universe began with a huge explosion that sent matter and energy spreading out in all directions. One reason why fans watch Star Trek is for the various cosmologies depicted in the show, including different conceptions of space, time, and the meaning of life.
Examples of cosmology in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For one, a CPT-symmetric universe wouldn’t have sent gravitational waves shimmering through space from the beginning of the universe, as classical cosmology theories predict.
—
Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 10 Feb. 2026
Much of the group’s cosmology derives from The Urantia Book, a mishmash of Christianity, metaphysics, and esoteric spirituality, that was purportedly written by celestial beings and published anonymously in 1955.
—Jane Borden, Rolling Stone, 5 Feb. 2026
Natarajan, whose research focuses on cosmology, gravitational lensing and black hole physics, traced how decades of theoretical work on black holes have transformed scientists' understanding of the universe and quietly underpin everyday technologies.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Among many other journeys, York also traveled extensively to China, for efforts such as convening a conference aimed at 6,000 Chinese high school students on the history of astronomy and organizing a modern cosmology research prize contest for Chinese scientists.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cosmology
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.
Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 10 Feb. 2026
Much of the group’s cosmology derives from The Urantia Book, a mishmash of Christianity, metaphysics, and esoteric spirituality, that was purportedly written by celestial beings and published anonymously in 1955.
—Jane Borden, Rolling Stone, 5 Feb. 2026
Natarajan, whose research focuses on cosmology, gravitational lensing and black hole physics, traced how decades of theoretical work on black holes have transformed scientists' understanding of the universe and quietly underpin everyday technologies.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Among many other journeys, York also traveled extensively to China, for efforts such as convening a conference aimed at 6,000 Chinese high school students on the history of astronomy and organizing a modern cosmology research prize contest for Chinese scientists.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cosmology
Cite this Entry
“Cosmology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmology. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cosmology
noun
cos·mol·o·gy
käz-ˈmäl-ə-jē
plural cosmologies
: a branch of astronomy that deals with the beginning, structure, and space-time relationships of the universe
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
