Dictionary

phonology

noun pho·nol·o·gy \fə-ˈnä-lə-jē, fō-\

linguistics : the study of the speech sounds used in a language

Full Definition of PHONOLOGY

: the science of speech sounds including especially the history and theory of sound changes in a language or in two or more related languages

: the phonetics and phonemics of a language at a particular time

— pho·no·log·i·cal \ˌfō-nə-ˈlä-ji-kəl also ˌfä-\ also pho·no·log·ic \-jik\ adjective

— pho·no·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

— pho·nol·o·gist \fə-ˈnä-lə-jist, fō-\ noun

See phonology defined for English-language learners

1798

Medical Dictionary

noun pho·nol·o·gy \fə-ˈnäl-ə-jē, fō-\

plural pho·nol·o·gies

: the science of speech sounds including especially the history and theory of sound changes in a language or in two or more related languages

: the phonetics and phonemics of a language at a particular time

—pho·no·log·i·cal \ˌfōn-^əl-ˈäj-i-kəl also ˌfän-^əl-\ also pho·no·log·ic \-ik\ adjective

—pho·no·log·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Next Word in the Dictionary: phonomaniaPrevious Word in the Dictionary: phonologizeAll Words Near: phonology

What made you want to look up phonology? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears