semiology

or se·mei·ol·o·gy

[ see-mee-ol-uh-jee, sem-ee-, see-mahy- ]

noun

1. the study of signs and symbols; semiotics.

semiology

/ ˌsiːmɪ-; ˌsɛmɪəˈlɒdʒɪk; ˌsɛmɪˈɒlədʒɪ; ˌsiːmɪ- /

noun

1. another word for semiotics

Derived Forms

• ˌsemiˈologist, noun
• semiologic, adjective

Other Words From

• se·mi·o·log·ic [see-mee-, uh, -, loj, -ik, sem-ee-, se-mahy-], semi·o·logi·cal adjective
• semi·olo·gist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of semiology¹

1885–90; < Greek sēmeîo ( n ) sign + -logy

Word History and Origins

Origin of semiology¹

C17 (in the sense ``sign language''): from Greek sēmeion sign + -logy

Example Sentences

And in the semiology of clothing, a dress often suggests “woman.”

From New York Times

At that time I was in graduate school, preparing my dissertation in the semiology of cinema.

From Salon

There’s even a new word — the “mangeosphère,” or roughly the eating sphere — coined by the French daily Le Monde for these discussions on the semiology of a ham sandwich or an apple.

From New York Times

A heart pendant made of rhinestones and poured glass, part of the semiology Saint Laurent used to designate a favorite model in a runway show, joined a display of replica jewels.

From New York Times

Indeed, one of the most striking aspects of the show is how familiar most of the clothing semiology is.

From New York Times