ecological

adjective

eco·​log·​i·​cal ˌē-kə-ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce ecological (audio) ˌe-kə- How to pronounce ecological (audio)
variants or less commonly ecologic
1
: of or relating to the science of ecology
ecological studies
2
: of or relating to the environments of living things or to the relationships between living things and their environments
The ecological effects of the turf monoculture become even more troubling as large tracts, such as golf courses, displace whole ecosystems in a single stroke.Adelheid Fischer
In every community in nature, each type of organism has its own specialized role to play in what is called an ecological niche.William Threlfall
Rush was scoffing at concerns that the schools of sharks gathering off the coast of Florida might be an indication of some harmful ecological change.Al Franken
The chief of a new environmental protection committee, Fyodor Morgun, blamed the "ill-considered drive to build gigantic plants" for a Pandora's box of ecological problems, including air and water pollution.William R. Doerner et al.
3
: of or relating to human ecology
Ecological data suggest that in rural areas the availability of family physicians is associated with reduced mortality rate after adjustment for demographic and economic factors.Peter Franks et al.
ecologically adverb
… an ecologically rich river basin … Cultural Survival Quarterly
Sustainable agricultural practices involve making choices that are not only ecologically sound but also economically viable and socially just. Karin Springen

Examples of ecological in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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What will be the consequences of the government deemphasizing efforts to combat climate change? Will shedding regulations boost the economy, cause an ecological crisis — or perhaps both? Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 1 May 2025 Interpretive signs along the trail highlight the ecological significance of mangroves for coastal resilience and biodiversity. Cory Lee, AFAR Media, 30 Apr. 2025 Laws to prevent future ‘ecocide’ are complicated While Agent Orange’s health effects have understandably drawn scrutiny, its long-term ecological consequences have not been well studied. Pamela McElwee, The Conversation, 28 Apr. 2025 The Pilbara’s modern ecological wealth is a product of its ancient geological past and geographic isolation. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ecological

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of ecological was in 1879

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Cite this Entry

“Ecological.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ecological. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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