semiology

noun

se·​mi·​ol·​o·​gy ˌsē-mē-ˈä-lə-jē How to pronounce semiology (audio) ˌse-mē- How to pronounce semiology (audio)
ˌsē-ˌmī-
: the study of signs
especially : semiotics
semiological
(ˌ)sē-ˌmī-ə-ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce semiology (audio) ˌse-mē-ə- How to pronounce semiology (audio)
adjective
semiologically
(ˌ)sē-ˌmī-ə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce semiology (audio) ˌse-mē-ə- How to pronounce semiology (audio)
adverb
semiologist
ˌsē-mē-ˈä-lə-jist How to pronounce semiology (audio) ˌse-mē- How to pronounce semiology (audio)
ˌsē-ˌmī-
noun

Examples of semiology 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.
This time, the focus was on a 1955 collection that Christian Dior showed at Gleneagles, as well as on the history of Mary, Queen of Scots, and her passion for embroidery and its semiology. —Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 7 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek sēmeîon "marking, sign, token, signal" + -o- + -logy — more at semantic

Note: The word semiology is defined in the Century Dictionary (1889-91) as "the logical theory of signs, of the conditions of their fulfilling their functions, of their chief kinds, etc." But little textual exemplification of this sense is apparent before the use of French sémiologie by Ferdinand de saussure in Cours de linguistique générale (1916).

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of semiology was circa 1890

Rhymes for semiology

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Browse Nearby Words

semiography
semiology
semionotid
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Semiology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semiology. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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Medical Definition

semiology

noun
se·​mi·​ol·​o·​gy
variants or semeiology
ˌsem-ē-ˈäl-ə-jē How to pronounce semiology (audio) ˌsē-mē- How to pronounce semiology (audio)
plural semiologies
: the study of signs: as
a
: symptomatology sense 2
b
: semiotic

More from Merriam-Webster on semiology

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about semiology

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