noun
ethnography
eth-NOG-ruh-fee
Ethnography (noun) means In anthropology, the branch concerned with systematically describing particular human cultures and societies. Example: “She is writing her doctoral thesis on the ethnography of rural communities.”
noun
1
anthropology In anthropology, the branch concerned with systematically describing particular human cultures and societies.
"She is writing her doctoral thesis on the ethnography of rural communities."
"The course covers both the theory and practice of ethnography."
"His ethnography of the fishing village took two years of fieldwork."
2
A written or recorded study describing a particular culture or society.
"The anthropologist published a detailed ethnography of the region."
"This ethnography remains a classic in the field."
How to use ethnography
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe detailed study and description of a particular culture.
When to use it
This is an academic term used mainly in anthropology and social science.
Memory tip
The ending -graphy, as in biography, is a clue that ethnography is about writing a description.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
conduct ethnography
an ethnography of the community
write an ethnography
study of ethnography
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She is writing her doctoral thesis on the _____ of rural communities.
Etymology
Formed within English by combining ethno- with -graphy, giving the sense of writing about a people or culture.
Synonyms
View more →
descriptive anthropology
Rhymes for ethnography
graphy
geography
biography
demography
tomography
ideography
topography
lithography
iconography
mammography
discography
paleography
See all rhymes for ethnography →
Frequently asked questions
What is ethnography?
Ethnography is the branch of anthropology that describes particular human cultures and societies, and the word can also refer to a written study of that kind.
What's the difference between ethnography and ethnology?
Ethnography is treated as a related but distinct branch of anthropology alongside ethnology.
Is ethnography the same as anthropology?
No, ethnography is one branch within the wider field of anthropology.
What is the meaning of ethnography?
"ethnography" (noun) means in anthropology, the branch concerned with systematically describing particular human cultures and societies.
