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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Greater Rhea Though not particularly vibrant in appearance, the greater rhea draws intrigue due to its large size and inability to fly, occupying a similar ecological niche as Australia’s emu or Africa’s ostrich. Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 The origin of the trees used affects charcoal’s ecological sustainability. Adriana Costa, The Conversation, 26 June 2025 Prudhomme’s motivation was taste, but this choice had important ecological implications, because full-grown redfish travel to offshore waters more suitable to their size. Boyce Upholt, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2025 These marsupials are probably ecological analogues of early primates. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 24 June 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 4 Jul. 2025.

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