theology

noun

the·​ol·​o·​gy thē-ˈä-lə-jē How to pronounce theology (audio)
plural theologies
1
: the study of religious faith, practice, and experience
especially : the study of God and of God's relation to the world
2
a
: a theological theory or system
Thomist theology
a theology of atonement
b
: a distinctive body of theological opinion
Catholic theology
3
: a usually 4-year course of specialized religious training in a Roman Catholic major seminary

Examples of theology in a Sentence

He has an interest in theology and pastoral work. The bishop was opposed to the group's theology.
Recent Examples on the Web Bliss, who lives in St. Paul, is an Episcopal priest and creative-writing teacher who holds master’s degrees in theology and fiction. Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 12 May 2024 The Met’s presentation and Dr. Murrell’s creativity take the lexicon of Black ideology and theology, and bring it to life. Ken Makin, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for theology 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'theology.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English theologie, from Anglo-French, from Latin theologia, from Greek, from the- + -logia -logy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of theology was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near theology

Cite this Entry

“Theology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theology. Accessed 23 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

theology

noun
the·​ol·​o·​gy thē-ˈäl-ə-jē How to pronounce theology (audio)
plural theologies
1
: the study of religion
2
: a set of religious beliefs
theologian
ˌthē-ə-ˈlō-jən
noun
theological
-ˈläj-i-kəl
adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!