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

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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.
While the sociologist's lens taught her to decode paradigms and human systems, astrophysics invited her to probe cosmology principles and the Universe as a whole. Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025 But reality can be very strange, and this wild idea may yet turn out to describe the Universe more successfully than even the standard ΛCDM cosmology that’s brought us up to this point. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 2 Sep. 2025 That involved the special forces paying due heed to Indigenous cosmology which suggested a malign shapeshifting being known as a duende was conspiring to hide the children from their would-be rescuers. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2025 Per The Korea Herald, according to Korean cosmology, a mythical tiger protects each of the four cardinal directions (north, south, east and west), hence the name of her powerful blade. Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Cosmology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmology. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

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

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