cosmology

American  

[koz-mol-uh-jee] / kɒzˈmɒl ə dʒi /

noun

1. the branch of philosophy dealing with the origin and general structure of the universe, with its parts, elements, and laws, and especially with such of its characteristics as space, time, causality, and freedom.

2. the branch of astronomy that deals with the general structure and evolution of the universe.

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cosmology British  

/ kɒzˈmɒlədʒɪ, ˌkɒzməˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

noun

1. the philosophical study of the origin and nature of the universe

2. the branch of astronomy concerned with the evolution and structure of the universe

3. a particular account of the origin or structure of the universe

   Ptolemaic cosmology

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cosmology Scientific  

/ kŏz-mŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study of the origin, evolution, and structure of the universe.

2. A specific theory or model of the origin and evolution of the universe.

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cosmology ¹ Cultural  

1. The branch of science dealing with the large-scale structure, origins, and development of the universe. (See astronomy and Big Bang theory.)

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cosmology ² Cultural  

1. A system of beliefs that seeks to describe or explain the origin and structure of the universe. A cosmology attempts to establish an ordered, harmonious framework that integrates time, space, the planets, stars, and other celestial phenomena. In so-called primitive societies, cosmologies help explain the relationship of human beings to the rest of the universe and are therefore closely tied to religious beliefs and practices. In modern industrial societies, cosmologies seek to explain the universe through astronomy and mathematics. Metaphysics also plays a part in the formation of cosmologies. (See also under “Physical Sciences and Mathematics.”)

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Other Word Forms

• cosmologer noun
• cosmologic adjective
• cosmological adjective
• cosmologically adverb
• cosmologist noun

Etymology

Origin of cosmology

From the New Latin word cosmologia, dating back to 1650–60. See cosmo-, -logy

Compare meaning

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

• cosmology vs. cosmogony

Example Sentences

One of the greatest puzzles in cosmology is why the universe is dominated by matter.

From Science Daily • Mar. 3, 2026

“There’s that side of me that really gets excited about looking at those objects, then creating my own sort of cosmology, my own artifacts, if you will,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 30, 2025

Already, at age 15, we find her constructing a female cosmology that draws on both Renaissance painting and the Celtic fairy tales she grew up with.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 1, 2025

"They're inscribing something about their cosmology, their belief systems, into the earth itself in a very dramatic way."

From BBC • Nov. 27, 2025

Plato, who believed that “all things are full of gods,” actually used the metaphor of slavery to connect his politics with his cosmology.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

Related Words

• creation