noun

ornithology

or-ni-THOL-uh-jee

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Ornithology (noun) means the part of zoology concerned with the scientific study of birds. Example: “She studied ornithology at university and now researches migrating waders.”

noun

The part of zoology concerned with the scientific study of birds.

"She studied ornithology at university and now researches migrating waders."

"The museum has a large collection of eggs that is used for teaching ornithology."

"His interest in ornithology began with a pair of binoculars and a garden feeder."

How to use ornithology

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOrnithology is the science of studying birds.

When to use it

Ornithology is a formal, scientific term, more technical than everyday words such as birdwatching.

Memory tip

The stress falls on the third syllable, so say or-ni-THOL-uh-jee, not or-NITH-o-lo-gy.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

ethology → entomology → etymology →

Common pairings

study ornithology field ornithology a degree in ornithology amateur ornithology

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “ornithology” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She studied _____ at university and now researches migrating waders.

Etymology

Ornithology comes from New Latin ornithologia, a term coined by Ulisse Aldrovandi. He built it from the Ancient Greek ornithologos, which combines the words for bird and for word or study.

Origin: New Latin

Rhymes for ornithology

eulogy apology zoology biology ecology analogy geology trilogy etiology pedagogy mycology virology

See all rhymes for ornithology →

Frequently asked questions

What does ornithology mean?

Ornithology is the scientific study of birds. It is a branch of zoology.

How do you pronounce ornithology?

In British English it is said or-ni-THOL-uh-jee, with the stress on the third syllable.

What is a person who studies birds called?

Someone who studies birds scientifically is usually called an ornithologist. The word comes from ornithology.

What is the meaning of ornithology?

"ornithology" (noun) means the part of zoology concerned with the scientific study of birds.