cosmology

noun

cos·​mol·​o·​gy käz-ˈmä-lə-jē How to pronounce cosmology (audio)
plural cosmologies
1
a
: a branch of metaphysics that deals with the nature of the universe
b
: a theory or doctrine describing the natural order of the universe
2
: a branch of astronomy that deals with the origin, structure, and space-time relationships of the universe
also : a theory dealing with these matters
cosmological adjective
cosmologically adverb
cosmologist noun

Did you know?

Cosmology and Star Trek

Most religions and cultures include some kind of cosmology to explain the nature of the universe. In modern astronomy, the leading cosmology is still the Big Bang theory, which claims that the universe began with a huge explosion that sent matter and energy spreading out in all directions. One reason why fans watch Star Trek is for the various cosmologies depicted in the show, including different conceptions of space, time, and the meaning of life.

Examples of cosmology 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.
This new paradigm of financial technology requires a bold interdisciplinary approach, drawing on breakthroughs in quantum mechanics, general relativity, AI and cosmology. Eric Solis, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 The problem is that these estimates for the Hubble constant don’t match what the standard model of cosmology predicts based on patterns in the cosmic microwave background, the glow left over from the early universe. Laura Helmuth, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024 With advances at the intersection of quantum mechanics, cosmology, AI and neural networks, such possibilities are on the horizon. Eric Solis, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 The standard model of cosmology predicts a physical length for the sound horizon based on the gravitationally attracting ingredients of the early universe: dark matter, dark energy, neutrinos, photons and atoms. Marc Kamionkowski, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cosmology 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin cosmologia, from Greek kosmos — see cosmic + New Latin -logia -logy

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cosmology was circa 1656

Dictionary Entries Near cosmology

Cite this Entry

“Cosmology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmology. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

cosmology

noun
cos·​mol·​o·​gy käz-ˈmäl-ə-jē How to pronounce cosmology (audio)
plural cosmologies
: a branch of astronomy that deals with the beginning, structure, and space-time relationships of the universe
cosmologist noun

More from Merriam-Webster on cosmology

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!