ornithology

noun

or·​ni·​thol·​o·​gy ˌȯr-nə-ˈthä-lə-jē How to pronounce ornithology (audio)
plural ornithologies
1
: a branch of zoology dealing with birds
2
: a treatise on ornithology
ornithological
ˌȯr-nə-thə-ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce ornithology (audio)
adjective
or less commonly ornithologic
ˌȯr-nə-thə-ˈlä-jik How to pronounce ornithology (audio)
ornithologically
ˌȯr-nə-thə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce ornithology (audio)
adverb
ornithologist
ˌȯr-nə-ˈthä-lə-jist How to pronounce ornithology (audio)
noun

Examples of ornithology 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.
There are a lot of ways to do ornithology, but there are infinite ways to do birding — because birding is about enjoying and connecting with nature. — Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026 Known for his love of ornithology, Reeves has created entire series devoted to birds, even spawning a TV show and book of bird illustrations. — Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 The clunky term extra-pair copulation, which had appeared in the ornithology literature only a handful of times prior, suddenly exploded in use. — Nathan H. Lents, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Apr. 2025 Gillet belongs to the Bird Technical Advisory Committee, which is working with ornithology experts to establish goals for the recovery of the species. — Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 17 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ornithology

Word History

Etymology

New Latin ornithologia, from ornith- + -logia -logy

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ornithology was in 1654

Rhymes for ornithology

See All Rhymes for ornithology

Browse Nearby Words

ornithologist
ornithology
ornithomancy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

ornithology

noun
or·​ni·​thol·​o·​gy ˌȯr-nə-ˈthäl-ə-jē How to pronounce ornithology (audio)
: a branch of zoology dealing with birds

More from Merriam-Webster on ornithology

Nglish: Translation of ornithology for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ornithology

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