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
Foresters say a new generation of these landowners cares less about income from forests and more about wildlife, recreation, and ecology.
—
Riley Robinson, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Aug. 2024
In all three cases, I’ve been surrounded by two very different types of people: voluble area experts versed in local geology and ecology, and tourists eager to learn from them.
—Grayson Haver Currin, Outside Online, 6 Aug. 2024
Zebra mussel larvae have been found in the Colorado River, with potentially devastating consequences for the river's ecology.
—Erin Alberty, Axios, 22 July 2024
Sandy Koi, a post-doctorate scientist from Florida International University who studied insect ecology and conservation and is also called the guru of the atala, said with the demise of coontie in the wild, gardens and yards now make up about 50 percent of their food source.
—Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 13 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for ecology 
Riley Robinson, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Aug. 2024
In all three cases, I’ve been surrounded by two very different types of people: voluble area experts versed in local geology and ecology, and tourists eager to learn from them.
—Grayson Haver Currin, Outside Online, 6 Aug. 2024
Zebra mussel larvae have been found in the Colorado River, with potentially devastating consequences for the river's ecology.
—Erin Alberty, Axios, 22 July 2024
Sandy Koi, a post-doctorate scientist from Florida International University who studied insect ecology and conservation and is also called the guru of the atala, said with the demise of coontie in the wild, gardens and yards now make up about 50 percent of their food source.
—Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 13 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for ecology
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ecology.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near ecology
Cite this Entry
“Ecology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ecology. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
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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