meteorology: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “meteorology” mean?
The scientific study of the atmosphere, its phenomena, and weather processes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The scientific study of the atmosphere, its phenomena, and weather processes.
The professional practice of observing, analyzing, and forecasting weather, often applied practically in fields like aviation, agriculture, and broadcasting.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The related profession is 'meteorologist' in both. The practical application of meteorology (forecasting) is often simply called 'the weather' in everyday contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly associated with science, public service (e.g., national weather services like the Met Office (UK) or the National Weather Service (US)), and sometimes with uncertainty in prediction.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both dialects. More common in technical, academic, and media (e.g., weather segments) contexts than in daily conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “meteorology” in a Sentence
[subject] studies/applies/researches meteorologyMeteorology involves [gerund/noun phrase]According to meteorology, [clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meteorology” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A. The verb form is not standard. Use 'forecast', 'analyse', or 'study weather' instead.
American English
- N/A. The verb form is not standard. Use 'predict', 'model', or 'study the atmosphere' instead.
adverb
British English
- N/A. 'Meteorologically' is extremely rare and technical (e.g., 'Meteorologically speaking, this is unprecedented.').
American English
- N/A. 'Meteorologically' is extremely rare and technical (e.g., 'The event was meteorologically complex.').
adjective
British English
- The meteorological office issued a yellow warning.
- She consulted the meteorological data before the flight.
American English
- The meteorological conditions were perfect for launch.
- He works for a meteorological agency.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts like logistics, agriculture, and energy trading where weather forecasts impact operations and financial decisions.
Academic
Core term in physical geography and environmental science departments; the subject of dedicated university degrees and research papers.
Everyday
Rarely used in casual talk; people typically say 'weather forecast' or just 'the weather'. e.g., 'He works in meteorology' is more formal than 'He's a weatherman.'
Technical
Precise term for the discipline encompassing dynamics, thermodynamics, synoptic analysis, numerical weather prediction, and observation techniques.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meteorology”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “meteorology”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meteorology”
- Misspelling as 'meterology'. Remember the 'eo' after 'met'.
- Using 'meteorology' interchangeably with 'weather' in casual conversation, which sounds overly formal.
- Confusing 'meteorology' (current weather) with 'climatology' (long-term climate patterns).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Meteorology focuses on short-term atmospheric conditions and weather forecasting (hours to weeks). Climatology studies long-term weather patterns, trends, and averages over decades or centuries.
Not necessarily. A 'meteorologist' is a scientist with specific academic training in atmospheric science. A 'weather presenter' or 'weather forecaster' may or may not have this qualification, though many do.
The word comes from the Greek 'meteōron', meaning 'thing high up' or 'atmospheric phenomenon'. In ancient times, this included rain, hail, wind, etc., not just shooting stars. The meaning narrowed to its current scientific sense.
Key branches include: synoptic (weather map analysis), dynamic (mathematical/physical laws governing motion), physical (cloud physics, radiation), and applied (aviation, agricultural, broadcast).
The scientific study of the atmosphere, its phenomena, and weather processes.
Meteorology is usually formal, technical in register.
Meteorology: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmiː.ti.əˈrɒl.ə.dʒi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmiː.t̬i.əˈrɑː.lə.dʒi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Meteors' come from the sky, and 'ology' means study of. While not about meteors, it helps recall it's the study of things in the sky (the atmosphere).
Conceptual Metaphor
THE ATMOSPHERE IS A MACHINE/FLUID (e.g., 'weather systems,' 'pressure gradients,' 'atmospheric engine').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is most closely associated with the professional practice of meteorology?