Meaning & use
ornithology
Last updated
Meaning
noununcountable
The scientific study of birds, including their behavior, biology, and classification.
Grammar: Uncountable; no plural. Use 'the study of birds' for a simpler phrase.
Patterns
- study ornithology
- a degree in ornithology
- the field of ornithology
She studied ornithology at university and now works at a bird observatory.
Ornithology has helped us understand migration patterns and bird conservation.
His hobby of birdwatching led him to read books on ornithology.
Common combinations
- field of ornithology
- The field of ornithology has grown with new tracking technology.
- amateur ornithology
- Amateur ornithology is popular among birdwatchers.
- professor of ornithology
- He is a professor of ornithology at the university.
- ornithology society
- The local ornithology society organizes bird counts every spring.
Synonyms and how they differ
- birdwatching
- Birdwatching is a hobby of observing birds; ornithology is the scientific study of them.
Word family
- ornithologist noun
- A person who studies birds scientifically.
- ornithological adjective
- Relating to the study of birds.
Commonly confused: ornithology or ornithology vs. ornithologist?
ornithology vs ornithology vs. ornithologist
Ornithology is the subject; an ornithologist is the person. Do not say 'ornithologer'.
Practice
What is the correct term for a person who studies birds?
Choose one answer.
The specialist is an ornithologist. 'Ornithology' is the field itself, and 'ornithologer' is not a word.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “ornithology”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.