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
Four other research centers — including the physics center, the chemistry center, the ecology center and the nuclear technology unit — were also affected when two missiles struck the institute.
—
Matt Nighswander, NBC news, 7 Jan. 2026
The University of California Naturalist Certification is an intensive, hands-on program teaching California’s unique ecology, environmental stewardship, and citizen science through fieldwork, expert lectures, and community projects.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
Artistic power structures, shifting ecologies, and complex relationships figure everywhere, across gulfs of time and understanding.
—Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
Using Local Sources According to the report, bartenders are getting inspired by local flavors and looking to micro-farms, regional ecologies, and scientific experimentation to mix things up.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ecology
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Matt Nighswander, NBC news, 7 Jan. 2026
The University of California Naturalist Certification is an intensive, hands-on program teaching California’s unique ecology, environmental stewardship, and citizen science through fieldwork, expert lectures, and community projects.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
Artistic power structures, shifting ecologies, and complex relationships figure everywhere, across gulfs of time and understanding.
—Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
Using Local Sources According to the report, bartenders are getting inspired by local flavors and looking to micro-farms, regional ecologies, and scientific experimentation to mix things up.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ecology
Cite this Entry
“Ecology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ecology. Accessed 8 Jan. 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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