teleology

1 of 2

noun (1)

tel·​e·​ol·​o·​gy ˌtē-lē-ˈä-lə-jē How to pronounce teleology (audio) ˌte- How to pronounce teleology (audio)
1
a
: the study of evidences of design in nature
b
: a doctrine (as in vitalism) that ends are immanent in nature
c
: a doctrine explaining phenomena by final causes
2
: the fact or character attributed to nature or natural processes of being directed toward an end or shaped by a purpose
3
: the use of design or purpose as an explanation of natural phenomena
teleologist
ˌtē-lē-ˈä-lə-jist How to pronounce teleology (audio) ˌte- How to pronounce teleology (audio)
noun

teleologist

2 of 2

noun (2)

tel·​e·​ol·​o·​gist -jə̇st How to pronounce teleologist (audio)
plural -s
1
: one that specializes in or believes in the actuality of teleology
2
: an advocate of a doctrine of teleology

Examples of teleology 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.
Noun
Viruses display a kind of single-minded teleology—relentless replication—but are not, by most biological standards, living. — Dan Turello, New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2026 Indeed, many other Western thinkers have fallen in thrall to a similar teleology, believing that history was inescapably moving toward greater freedom and democracy. — Orville Schell, Foreign Affairs, 22 June 2021 There was a sense that transformation was the point and the teleology; Sophie’s sonic plasticity pointed to interrelational reinvention, toward a truth that had to be formed in the primordial tide pool of a dark, pulsing room. — Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2024 With an emphasis on botany, Ogilvie’s work is foundational for establishing the roots of European natural history while also avoiding a teleology that leads straight to Linnaeus. — The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for teleology

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

New Latin teleologia, from Greek tele-, telos end, purpose + -logia -logy — more at wheel

Noun (2)

teleology + -ist

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of teleology was in 1742

Rhymes for teleology

See All Rhymes for teleology

Browse Nearby Words

teleologist
teleology
teleomitosis
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Cite this Entry

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

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Medical Definition

teleology

noun
te·​le·​ol·​o·​gy ˌtel-ē-ˈäl-ə-jē How to pronounce teleology (audio) ˌtēl- How to pronounce teleology (audio)
plural teleologies
1
a
: the study of evidences of design in nature
b
: a doctrine (as in vitalism) that ends are immanent in nature
c
: a doctrine explaining phenomena by final causes
2
: the fact or character attributed to nature or natural processes of being directed toward an end or shaped by a purpose
3
: the use of design or purpose as an explanation of natural phenomena

More from Merriam-Webster on teleology

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about teleology

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