phonology

[ fuh-nol-uh-jee, foh- ]

noun

, plural pho·nol·o·gies.

1. the study of the distribution and patterning of speech sounds in a language and of the tacit rules governing pronunciation.
2. the phonological system or the body of phonological facts of a language.

phonology

/ ˌfɒn-; ˌfəʊnəˈlɒdʒɪkəl; fəˈnɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the study of the sound system of a language or of languages in general Compare syntax syntax semantics
2. such a sound system

Derived Forms

• phonological, adjective
• phoˈnologist, noun
• ˌphonoˈlogically, adverb

Other Words From

• pho·no·log·i·cal [fohn-l-, oj, -i-k, uh, l, fon-], pho·no·log·ic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of phonology¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; phono- + -logy

Example Sentences

I wanted it to have a sound very much like Arabic, so the phonology of Arabic influenced the way it sounds and the rhythm.

From The Daily Beast

Phonology: Orm supplemented the current graphic methods by devices of his own.

From Project Gutenberg

Phonology: This has been sufficiently described at pp. 493-9: a few forms call for comment.

From Project Gutenberg

Phonology: This section should be compared with pp. 581-586; explanations of abnormal forms offered there are not repeated.

From Project Gutenberg

The subsequent changes in orthography are due mainly to changes of sound, and find their explanation in the phonology.

From Project Gutenberg

These three groups were distinguished from each other by characteristic points of phonology and inflection.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• accent
• diction
• utterance