oceanography

American  

[oh-shuh-nog-ruh-fee, oh-shee-uh-] / ˌoʊ ʃəˈnɒg rə fi, ˌoʊ ʃi ə- /

noun

1. the branch of physical geography dealing with the ocean.

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oceanography British  

/ ˌəʊʃəˈnɒɡrəfɪ, ˌəʊʃɪə-, ˌəʊʃɪə- /

noun

1. the branch of science dealing with the physical, chemical, geological, and biological features of the oceans and ocean basins

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oceanography Scientific  

/ ō′shə-nŏg′rə-fē /

1. The scientific study of oceans, the life that inhabits them, and their physical characteristics, including the depth and extent of ocean waters, their movement and chemical makeup, and the topography and composition of the ocean floors. Oceanography also includes ocean exploration.

2. Also called oceanology

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Other Word Forms

• oceanographer
  noun
• oceanographic
  adjective
• oceanographical
  adjective
• oceanographically
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of oceanography

First recorded in 1855–60; ocean + -o- + -graphy

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Explanation

Oceanography is the scientific study of the ocean. If you're interested in biology, physics, and sea creatures, you might want to study oceanography. Another way to say oceanography is "marine science." Scientists who specialize in oceanography are called oceanographers, and they focus on specific aspects of the sea which might include the physics of waves and currents or the biology of marine animals and plants. The word oceanography was coined in the mid-1800s, modeled on geography, from ocean and -graphy, "the process of writing or recording."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

oceanography

Though Taipei has an edge in mapping waters close to shore that are off limits to Chinese research vessels, Beijing has elevated oceanography to a national strategic priority, investing in ships and advanced underwater drones.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026

"So we can help the police with the oceanography to look at the tidal flows, the weather conditions from the time... and try and work out where best to start the search."

From BBC ● Apr. 29, 2026

“Experts are eyeing current oceanography reports with a healthy level of concern,” he wrote in an email.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 9, 2026

It’s possible that what’s needed most to complete the next mission won’t be oceanography or data mining, but costume design.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 6, 2025

We have neglected oceanography, saline water conversion, and the basic research that lies at the root of all progress.

From State of the Union Address by John F. (John Fitzgerald) Kennedy

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