oncology

noun

on·​col·​o·​gy än-ˈkä-lə-jē How to pronounce oncology (audio)
äŋ-
: a branch of medicine concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and study of cancer
oncological
ˌäŋ-kə-ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce oncology (audio)
adjective
or oncologic
ˌäŋ-kə-ˈlä-jik How to pronounce oncology (audio)
oncologist
än-ˈkä-lə-jist How to pronounce oncology (audio)
äŋ-
noun

Examples of oncology 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.
And oncology conferences are beginning to include sessions on hormones and how to help women after cancer. — Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 30 June 2026 Notably, Royal Marsden is the oncology center where Kate was treated for cancer. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 1 July 2026 Drug development is becoming more complex, expensive, and data-intensive, particularly in areas such as oncology and precision medicine. — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 24 June 2026 Services would include 24-hour urgent care, imaging, oncology, orthopedics, pediatrics, a pharmacy and laboratory services. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for oncology

Word History

Etymology

onco- + -logy

First Known Use

circa 1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oncology was circa 1857

Rhymes for oncology

See All Rhymes for oncology

Browse Nearby Words

oncological
oncology
oncome
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oncology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oncology. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

oncology

noun
on·​col·​o·​gy än-ˈkäl-ə-jē How to pronounce oncology (audio)
: a branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of tumors

Medical Definition

oncology

noun
on·​col·​o·​gy än-ˈkäl-ə-jē, äŋ- How to pronounce oncology (audio)
plural oncologies
: a branch of medicine concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and study of cancer
oncological
ˌäŋ-kə-ˈläj-i-kəl How to pronounce oncology (audio)
adjective
also oncologic
-ik How to pronounce oncology (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on oncology

Nglish: Translation of oncology for Spanish Speakers

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