ornithology

[ awr-nuh-thol-uh-jee ]

noun

1. the branch of zoology that deals with birds.

ornithology

/ ˌɔːnɪθəˈlɒdʒɪkəl; ˌɔːnɪˈθɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the study of birds, including their physiology, classification, ecology, and behaviour

ornithology

/ ôr′nə-thŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study of birds.

Derived Forms

• ˌorniˈthologist, noun
• ornithological, adjective
• ˌornithoˈlogically, adverb

Other Words From

• or·ni·tho·log·i·cal [awr-n, uh, -th, uh, -, loj, -i-k, uh, l], orni·tho·logic adjective
• orni·tho·logi·cal·ly adverb
• orni·tholo·gist noun
• unor·ni·tho·logi·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ornithology¹

From the New Latin word ornithologia, dating back to 1645–55. See ornitho-, -logy

Example Sentences

Found materials, including street signage rulers, ornithology illustrations and children’s drawings, festoon the canvas, mingling with hurried chalk annotations and prays of gestural brushwork resembling graffiti.

From New York Times

Enchanted by catbirds singing near her new home, she signed up for an ornithology class and became a regular at Warner Park, a recreation center and urban wildlife refuge.

From Los Angeles Times

That’s because the company’s giant color compendiums originate at least in part from ornithology and natural history.

From National Geographic

"This committee will broaden participation by including a diverse representation of individuals with expertise in the social sciences, communications, ornithology, and taxonomy," the AOS said in its statement.

From BBC

“Birds are the canary in the coal mine,” says Amanda Rodewald, senior director of the Center for Avian Population Studies at Cornell University’s ornithology lab.

From Seattle Times