cryptozoology

noun

cryp·​to·​zo·​ol·​o·​gy ˌkrip-tə-zō-ˈä-lə-jē 

-zə-ˈwä-

: the study of and search for animals and especially legendary animals (such as Sasquatch) usually in order to evaluate the possibility of their existence

cryptozoological

ˌkrip-tə-ˌzō-ə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

adjective

cryptozoologist

ˌkrip-tə-zō-ˈä-lə-jist 

-zə-ˈwä-

noun

Examples of cryptozoology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Like its Enlightenment-era forebears, contemporary cryptozoology is rooted in that same hunger for strangeness, and for an enchanted world. —Chris Wheatley, Longreads, 18 Jan. 2024

Nevertheless, although attitudes may be slowly changing, cryptozoology—to give the field its proper name—is still considered a pseudoscience. —Chris Wheatley, Longreads, 18 Jan. 2024

Ivan Sanderson, a biologist and cryptozoology enthusiast, analyzed the document and came to a striking conclusion: the snake was not merely 50 feet long, but 200. —Max Bennett, Discover Magazine, 16 Jan. 2024

Milwaukee County Zoo summer camps The Zoological Society of Milwaukee offers a variety of summer day camp options at the Milwaukee County Zoo, from their stroller safaris for babies and their caregivers, to classes for teenagers who are interested in things like cryptozoology and renewable energy. —Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 25 May 2023

Here zoology and cryptozoology part ways. —Kyle Hill, Discover Magazine, 1 Oct. 2013

Skipping cryptozoology’s usual sensationalism, Abominable separates history and folklore from hoaxes and fakelore. —Breanna Draxler, Discover Magazine, 22 Oct. 2013

The analysis was the most sophisticated to date but — spoiler alert — the results won't thrill cryptozoology fans. —Gemma Tarlach, Discover Magazine, 28 Nov. 2017

Speakers will discuss demonology, ghosts, UFOs, monsters, urban legends and cryptozoology. —Susan Dunne, Hartford Courant, 29 Sep. 2022

Word History

Etymology

crypto- + zoology

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cryptozoology

• bacteriology
• biotechnology
• dialectology
• ecclesiology
• endocrinology
• epistemology
• geochronology
• geomorphology
• histopathology
• hydrogeology
• kinesiology
• meteorology