typology

noun

ty·​pol·​o·​gy tī-ˈpä-lə-jē 

plural typologies

1

: study of or analysis or classification based on types or categories

2

: a doctrine of theological types

especially : one holding that things in Christian belief are prefigured or symbolized by things in the Old Testament

typologist

tī-ˈpä-lə-jist 

noun

Examples of typology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Designed to provide independent living opportunities for women moving to New York City for education and employment, the building marked a new architectural typology at the time that emerged to address the growing demand for housing among single female professionals. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025

There were also several conversations regarding the typologies of material. —Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

Instead of forcing its allies to close the pipelines, Washington was busy creating typologies of the different groups fighting in Syria. —Bassel F. Salloukh, Foreign Affairs, 14 July 2014

The Mexican Hacienda, as a courtyard typology, is clearly reflected in Paradero's architecture. —Natalie Stoclet, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for typology

• anthology
• apology
• astrology
• biology
• christology
• chronology
• conchology
• cosmology
• cryptology
• cytology
• doxology
• ecology

Medical Definition

typology

noun

ty·​pol·​o·​gy tī-ˈpäl-ə-jē 

plural typologies

: study of or study based on types

especially : classification (as of personality, human physique, or bacterial strains) based on the comparative study of types

typological

ˌtī-pə-ˈläj-i-kəl 

adjective