noun
dialectology
dy-uh-lek-TOL-uh-jee
Dialectology (noun) means the study of dialects. Example: “She wrote her thesis on dialectology and the speech of northern England.”
noun
1
The study of dialects.
"She wrote her thesis on dialectology and the speech of northern England."
"Dialectology looks at how speech varies from place to place."
"He teaches a course in dialectology at the university."
How to use dialectology
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe study of dialects.
When to use it
It is an academic term, used mostly in linguistics.
Memory tip
It is usually uncountable, so say 'dialectology is' rather than 'a dialectology'.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
dialectics
Common pairings
field of dialectology
English dialectology
study dialectology
dialectology course
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like dialectology.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She wrote her thesis on _____ and the speech of northern England.
Etymology
The word is formed from dialect plus the connecting -o- and the ending -logy.
Rhymes for dialectology
See all rhymes for dialectology →Frequently asked questions
What is dialectology?
Dialectology is the study of dialects.
What is a person who studies dialects called?
Such a person is called a dialectologist.
Is dialectology the same as dialectics?
No. Dialectology is the study of dialects, while dialectics is a different subject.
What is the meaning of dialectology?
"dialectology" (noun) means the study of dialects.
