ontology
Americannoun
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the branch of metaphysics that studies the nature of existence or being as such.
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(loosely) metaphysics.
noun
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philosophy the branch of metaphysics that deals with the nature of being
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logic the set of entities presupposed by a theory
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of ontology
From the New Latin word ontologia, dating back to 1715–25. See onto-, -logy
Explanation
If you are interested in metaphysics and the meaning of existence (and want to impress your friends), ontology may be a good field of study for you. Ontology comes from two Greek words: on, which means "being," and logia, which means "study." So ontology is the study of being alive and existing. Heady stuff, but something we all ponder at one point or another. When you see the word ontology, think of Hamlet agonizing over "To be, or not to be" or Descartes stating "I think, therefore I am."
Vocabulary lists containing ontology
Ancient Philosophy
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Native Speaker
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Martin Eden
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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.
“We stand on the walls, sentinels of the inner sanctum, against the assault of AI slop. The Ontology is based firmly in reality—there is, here, a dialectic between ground truth, tribal knowledge, and enhancements.”
From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026
“The Ontology is based firmly in reality—there is, here, a dialectic between ground truth, tribal knowledge, and enhancements.”
From Barron's • May 4, 2026
Ontology, Palantir’s system for the various applications it builds for clients, is the company’s competitive advantage, Oppenheimer said.
From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026
This master data layer, which Palantir called Ontology, became the foundation upon which all of its other applications were built.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026
All the common phenomena of Morphology and Physiology, of Chorology and Œkology, of Ontology and Paleontology, can be explained by the theory of descent, and referred to simple mechanical causes.
From Freedom in Science and Teaching. from the German of Ernst Haeckel by Huxley, Thomas Henry
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.
