ontology
noun
on·tol·o·gy
än-ˈtä-lə-jē 
1
: a branch of metaphysics concerned with the nature and relations of being
Ontology deals with abstract entities.
2
: a particular theory about the nature of being or the kinds of things that have existence
Examples of ontology in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In computer science this is called ontology, or the process of formally naming the types, properties and relationships between entities.
—
Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 27 Dec. 2019
In a very broad sense these disciplines push against our conceptions of ontology.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 31 Aug. 2010
Au’s is a book of deceptive simplicity, weaving profound questions of identity and ontology into the fabric of quotidian banality.
—Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 21 Feb. 2022
In this week’s episode of Robots in Depth, Per interviews Craig Schlenoff, from NIST. Craig Schlenoff talks about ontologies and the significance of formalized knowledge for agile robotics systems that can quickly and even automatically adapt to new scenarios.
—Evan Ackerman, IEEE Spectrum, 22 Dec. 2017
See all Example Sentences for ontology 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 27 Dec. 2019
In a very broad sense these disciplines push against our conceptions of ontology.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 31 Aug. 2010
Au’s is a book of deceptive simplicity, weaving profound questions of identity and ontology into the fabric of quotidian banality.
—Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 21 Feb. 2022
In this week’s episode of Robots in Depth, Per interviews Craig Schlenoff, from NIST. Craig Schlenoff talks about ontologies and the significance of formalized knowledge for agile robotics systems that can quickly and even automatically adapt to new scenarios.
—Evan Ackerman, IEEE Spectrum, 22 Dec. 2017
See all Example Sentences for ontology
Dictionary Entries Near ontology
Cite this Entry
“Ontology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ontology. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share