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
As a system of symbols with its own particular language, astrology can help some people make sense of emotions and events, bringing a semblance of structure to the apparent chaos of everyday life.
From Slate • May 5, 2026
The three‑act farce tells the story of a credulous father whose obsession with astrology leads him to force his young daughter to marry an old wigmaker.
From Barron's • May 4, 2026
Saturday, love advice columnist Goth Shakira will be holding free astrology readings.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026
By the eighteenth century astrology itself was generally regarded as outdated.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
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.
