lexicology

[ lek-si-kol-uh-jee ]

noun

1. the study of the formation, meaning, and use of words and of idiomatic combinations of words.

lexicology

/ ˌlɛksɪˈkɒlədʒɪ; ˌlɛksɪkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

1. the study of the overall structure and history of the vocabulary of a language

Derived Forms

• ˌlexicoˈlogically, adverb
• lexicological, adjective
• ˌlexiˈcologist, noun

Other Words From

• lex·i·co·log·i·cal [lek-si-k, uh, -, loj, -i-k, uh, l], lexi·co·logic adjective
• lexi·colo·gist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lexicology¹

First recorded in 1820–30; lexic(on) + -o- + -logy

Example Sentences

Some have talked of “culturomics”, a form of computational lexicology that uses corpus tools to analyse and forecast trends in human behaviour.

From The Guardian

In the realm of lexicology, there is an “unresigned” afoot in the English language.

From Washington Times

This book is not just his own first essay into the subject, but also the first attempt at slang lexicology since John Camden Hotten’s comprehensive history and explanation of slang appeared in 1859.

From Salon

Discarding such ridiculous concerns as passing percentage and turnover ratio, and turning instead to the serious study of lexicology, well, the results are staggering.

From New York Times

He was a profound scholar in Greek and Hebrew lexicology, and gave what was once his country house and garden in old Chelsea Village to the theological seminary of his professorship.

From Project Gutenberg