biology
Americannoun
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the science of life or living matter in all its forms and phenomena, especially with reference to origin, growth, reproduction, structure, and behavior.
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the living organisms of a region.
the biology of Pennsylvania.
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the biological phenomena characteristic of an organism or a group of organisms.
She is studying the biology of worms, especially in regard to their reproductive behavior.
noun
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the study of living organisms, including their structure, functioning, evolution, distribution, and interrelationships
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the structure, functioning, etc, of a particular organism or group of organisms
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the animal and plant life of a particular region
Other Word Forms
- biologist noun
Etymology
Origin of biology
From the German word Biologie, dating back to 1805–15. See bio-, -logy
Compare meaning
How does biology compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
Biology is the study of life and living organisms, from one-celled creatures to the most complex living organism of all — the human being. Biology includes the study of genes and cells that give living things their special characteristics. You may know that the ology suffix means "the study of," and the addition of the Greek bios, meaning "life," gives us the meaning of biology. According to Nobel Laureate Walter Gilbert, "Biology will relate every human gene to the genes of other animals and bacteria, to this great chain of being." Sometimes science isn't as pretty as that sounds (as you know if you've cut open worms or frogs in biology class).
Vocabulary lists containing biology
Words to Live By: Bio
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Power Suffix: -ology
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bio
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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.
“You can get that dopamine hit so much quicker and so much more often,” said Fields, who specializes in addiction psychology and biology.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman this week discussed the potential for AI to help advance biology.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026
COLCHESTER, Vt.—The financial troubles at St. Michael’s College hit home for biology professor Declan McCabe when he noticed Buckthorn shrubs encroaching on walking trails near the house of the campus president.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026
After graduating with a degree in marine biology from the University of Stirling, he took on a number of diving jobs.
From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026
As the months went by I remained uninterested, if not downright sickened, by my study of biology; my grades were poor; I was held in contempt by teacher and classmate alike.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
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.
