ethnology

noun

eth·​nol·​o·​gy eth-ˈnä-lə-jē How to pronounce ethnology (audio)
: a branch of cultural anthropology dealing chiefly with the comparative and analytical study of cultures
broadly : cultural anthropology
ethnological
ˌeth-nə-ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce ethnology (audio)
adjective
or less commonly ethnologic
ˌeth-nə-ˈlä-jik How to pronounce ethnology (audio)
ethnologist
eth-ˈnä-lə-jist How to pronounce ethnology (audio)
noun

Examples of ethnology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In this insightful talk, Mark Collard delves into the significant yet underappreciated role of ethnology in archaeology. — David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Jan. 2024 Alexander Hoffmann, a student of ethnology, is impressed by the intellect of their translator Kezia Kambazembi, and begins to question the racial theories of white supremacy. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 16 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1787, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ethnology was in 1787

Rhymes for ethnology

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Browse Nearby Words

ethnolinguistics
ethnology
ethnomedicine
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ethnology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethnology. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

ethnology

noun
eth·​nol·​o·​gy eth-ˈnäl-ə-jē How to pronounce ethnology (audio)
: a science that studies and compares human cultures
ethnological
ˌeth-nə-ˈläj-i-kəl How to pronounce ethnology (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

ethnology

noun
eth·​nol·​o·​gy eth-ˈnäl-ə-jē How to pronounce ethnology (audio)
plural ethnologies
: a branch of cultural anthropology dealing chiefly with the comparative and analytical study of cultures
broadly : cultural anthropology
ethnological
ˌeth-nə-ˈläj-i-kəl How to pronounce ethnology (audio)
adjective
also ethnologic
-ik How to pronounce ethnology (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on ethnology

Nglish: Translation of ethnology for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ethnology

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