astrology

American  

[uh-strol-uh-jee] / əˈstrɒl ə dʒi /

noun

1. the study that assumes and attempts to interpret the influence of the heavenly bodies on human affairs.

2. Obsolete. the science of astronomy.

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astrology British  

/ ˌæstrəˈlɒdʒɪkəl, əˈstrɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the study of the motions and relative positions of the planets, sun, and moon, interpreted in terms of human characteristics and activities

2. the primitive study of celestial bodies, which formed the basis of astronomy

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astrology Cultural  

1. A study of the positions and relationships of the sun, moon, stars, and planets in order to judge their influence on human actions. Astrology, unlike astronomy, is not a scientific study and has been much criticized by scientists. (See zodiac (see also zodiac).)

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Other Word Forms

• astrologer noun
• astrologic adjective
• astrological adjective
• astrologically adverb
• astrologist noun
• astrologous adjective

Etymology

Origin of astrology

1325–75; Middle English < Latin astrologia < Greek. See astro-, -logy

Compare meaning

How does astrology compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• astronomy vs. astrology

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.

Example Sentences

If you’re an astronomer, it’s people confusing what you do with astrology.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

That said, I don’t believe in astrology, but I still take a peek at my horoscope every now and then.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

That includes yoga, elements of Pilates and mobility work as well as breathwork, meditation, reiki — and astrology.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 1, 2026

I’m a little more grounded, a little less kooky, maybe a lot less kooky, but I’m into astrology, I’m into crystals, I’m into energy work, pretty much all the same things.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 15, 2025

Virtually every newspaper in America has a daily column on astrology; there are hardly any that have even a weekly column on astronomy.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

Related Words

• horoscope