meteorology

noun

me·​te·​o·​rol·​o·​gy ˌmē-tē-ə-ˈrä-lə-jē 

1

: a science that deals with the atmosphere and its phenomena and especially with weather and weather forecasting

studied the principles of meteorology

2

: the atmospheric phenomena and weather of a region

the meteorology of the Gulf of Mexico

meteorologic

ˌmē-tē-ə-rə-ˈlä-jik 

adjective

or meteorological

ˌmē-tē-ə-rə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

meteorologically

ˌmē-tē-ə-rə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

meteorologist

ˌmē-tē-ə-ˈrä-lə-jist 

noun

Examples of meteorology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, tornado alley itself has long been considered somewhat of a misnomer in the meteorology community, with multiple areas favored for tornado outbreaks. —Andrew Freedman, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025

In a statement to ABC News, NOAA and the NWS declined to comment on or confirm the staffing cuts, saying that the agency does not comment on personnel matters, but NOAA National Press Officer for Weather Susan Buchanan emphasized the agency's ongoing commitment to meteorology. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 7 Mar. 2025

Many students are surprised at the rigor of the typical atmospheric sciences or meteorology curriculum. —Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

Much later, my brother became obsessed with meteorology and dreamed of becoming a weatherman. —Bob Hicok, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French or Greek; French météorologie, from Middle French, from Greek meteōrologia, from meteōron + -logia -logy

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for meteorology

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

Kids Definition

meteorology

noun

me·​te·​o·​rol·​o·​gy ˌmēt-ē-ə-ˈräl-ə-jē 

: a science that deals with the atmosphere, weather, and weather forecasting

meteorologic

ˌmēt-ē-ə-rə-ˈläj-ik 

adjective

or meteorological

-ˈläj-i-kəl 

meteorologist

-ˈräl-ə-jəst 

noun