astrology

noun

as·​trol·​o·​gy ə-ˈsträ-lə-jē 

1

: the divination of the supposed influences of the stars and planets on human affairs and terrestrial events by their positions and aspects

2

archaic : astronomy

astrological

ˌa-strə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

adjective

astrologically

ˌa-strə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

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The Difference Between Astronomy and Astrology

Some may find it easy to confuse astronomy and astrology. At one time, these two words actually were synonymous (that is, astronomy once meant what astrology means today), but they have since moved apart from each other. In current use, astronomy is concerned with “the study of objects and matter outside the earth's atmosphere,” while astrology is the purported divination of how stars and planets influence our lives. Put bluntly, astronomy is a science, and astrology is not.

Examples of astrology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For more culturally immersive activities, try an astrology reading from the monks at Pangri Zampa, who blend ancient Buddhist wisdom with cosmic patterns to provide spiritual and practical guidance, or make local dishes during a hands-on private Bhutanese cooking lesson. —Mark Lakin, Travel + Leisure, 7 Dec. 2024

In astrology, Neptune is the planet of dreams, illusions and spirituality, which is naturally fitting as Pisces’ modern ruler. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024

There are many different schools of numerology, such as the Pythagorean system and Chaldean method. Wilder, who uses Chaldean numerology, says most esoteric sciences or spiritual fields – including palm reading or astrology – are based in numerology. —Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 3 Dec. 2024

After Brexit, some turned to astrology for indications of what might come next. —Vittoria Elliott, WIRED, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English astrologie "study of celestial bodies, prediction by observing the configuration of celestial bodies," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French astrologie, borrowed from Latin astrologia "study of celestial bodies," borrowed from Greek astrología, from astro- astro- + -logia -logy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

astrology

noun

as·​trol·​o·​gy ə-ˈsträl-ə-jē 

: the study of the supposed influences of the stars on human affairs by their positions in relation to each other

astrologer

-jər

noun

astrological

ˌas-trə-ˈläj-i-kəl 

adjective

astrologically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb