astrology
Americannoun
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the study that assumes and attempts to interpret the influence of the heavenly bodies on human affairs.
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Obsolete. the science of astronomy.
noun
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the study of the motions and relative positions of the planets, sun, and moon, interpreted in terms of human characteristics and activities
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the primitive study of celestial bodies, which formed the basis of astronomy
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of astrology
1325–75; Middle English < Latin astrologia < Greek. See astro-, -logy
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Explanation
If you don't leave your house without checking your horoscope, and you’re always asking people, “What’s your sign?” you’re likely a fan of astrology — the idea that the stars and planets and their movements influence human life. Astrology comes from the Greek astron "star" and the suffix -ology "study of." The actual science of the celestial bodies is astronomy, which also includes the Greek word for "star" but with a suffix that means "arranging." Astrology has been around since ancient times, and while it requires some knowledge of astronomy, it’s about as scientific as fortune telling and palm reading.
Vocabulary lists containing astrology
From Ascension to Zenith: Astronomy and Stargazing Terms
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Oh, My Stars! A Solstice Sampler
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Elements of the Universe: Aster, Astro ("Star")
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The 2026 theme is "Out of this World", with installations inspired by space travel, astrology and spiritual symbolism.
From BBC • May 20, 2026
I think it’s extremely influential to who people are — better than astrology, for sure.
From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026
Goodman is credited with attuning it to New Age sensibilities and turning astrology from a niche interest into a pop-culture juggernaut.
From Slate • May 5, 2026
If you’re an astronomer, it’s people confusing what you do with astrology.
From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026
Modern popular astrology runs directly back to Claudius Ptolemaeus, whom we call Ptolemy, although he was unrelated to the kings of the same name.
From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
