noun
phonology
fuh-NOL-uh-jee
Phonology (noun) means the branch of linguistics that studies how sounds work in a language, including stress, intonation and syllable structure. Example: “She is writing her dissertation on the phonology of Welsh.”
noun
1
linguistics The branch of linguistics that studies how sounds work in a language, including stress, intonation and syllable structure.
"She is writing her dissertation on the phonology of Welsh."
"Phonology asks which sounds a language treats as different from one another."
"Her course covers phonology, morphology and syntax."
2
linguistics The system of sounds used in one particular language.
"The phonology of Japanese has a fairly small set of syllable types."
"Learners often struggle with the phonology of a language that is very different from their own."
"Each language has its own phonology."
How to use phonology
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe study of how the sounds of a language work and fit together.
When to use it
It is a technical term used mainly in linguistics and language teaching.
Memory tip
Remember that the stress falls on the second syllable, fuh-NOL-uh-jee, not the first.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
the phonology of a language
English phonology
study phonology
phonology and morphology
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like phonology.
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 is writing her dissertation on the _____ of Welsh.
Etymology
The word is built in English from the prefix phono-, meaning sound, and the suffix -logy, used for the study of a subject.
Synonyms
View more →
sound system
Related words
Rhymes for phonology
See all rhymes for phonology →Frequently asked questions
What is phonology in simple terms?
Phonology is the study of how sounds are organised and used in languages. It looks at things such as stress, intonation and syllable structure, and at which sounds count as distinct units.
How do you pronounce phonology?
In British English it is said fuh-NOL-uh-jee, with the stress on the second syllable. American speakers may say the second vowel differently, but the stress stays in the same place.
What is the difference between phonology and phonics?
Phonology is the study of sound systems in languages. Phonics is a different term, usually connected with teaching people to link sounds to letters when reading.
What is the meaning of phonology?
"phonology" (noun) means the branch of linguistics that studies how sounds work in a language, including stress, intonation and syllable structure.
