logos

American  

[loh-gos, -gohs, log-os] / ˈloʊ gɒs, -goʊs, ˈlɒg ɒs /

noun

1. (often initial capital letter) the rational principle that governs and develops the universe.

2. Theology. the divine word or reason incarnate in Jesus Christ. John 1:1–14.

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Logos ¹ British  

/ ˈlɒɡɒs /

noun

1. Christian theol the divine Word; the second person of the Trinity incarnate in the person of Jesus

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logos ² British  

/ ˈlɒɡɒs /

noun

1. philosophy reason or the rational principle expressed in words and things, argument, or justification; esp personified as the source of order in the universe

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Etymology

Origin of logos

First recorded in 1580–90; from Greek lógos “word, saying; speech, discourse; thought, reckoning; proportion, ratio,” derivative of légein “to choose, gather; recount, tell over, speak”; lection

Compare meaning

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

• ethos vs. logos

Example Sentences

With a black screen showing a few lines of text and no application logos, American company Light Phone's third model appears to have little in common with colourful mainstream devices.

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

The surface is painted white and sealed, with ice hockey markings and logos added.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

Forty participants were asked to remember pairings between logos and brand names.

From Science Daily • Feb. 3, 2026

Collectively, the Service Employees International Union, the Teamsters, California State Pipe Trades Council and the State Assn. of Electrical Workers created a special letterhead with all their logos to show their solidarity on the issue.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2026

Finn asked, going back to alternately zooming in and out on Mom’s butterfly logos, growing and shrinking the dots and wings.

From "The Strangers" by Margaret Peterson Haddix