What does entomology mean?
Entomology is the branch of zoology devoted to the scientific study of insects — their anatomy, physiology, behaviour, ecology, evolution, and classification. As a formal academic term, it names both a scholarly discipline and the professional practice of those who work within it, known as entomologists. The word carries a neutral, technical connotation and appears chiefly in scientific writing, university curricula, museum contexts, and applied fields such as agriculture and public health, where insect knowledge informs pest control and disease prevention. Specialised branches include forensic entomology, which uses insect evidence in criminal investigations, and economic entomology, which addresses insects' impact on crops and livestock. Given that insects constitute the most species-rich group of animals on Earth, entomology touches nearly every ecosystem and human activity. Its similarity in spelling to 'etymology', the study of word origins, makes it a frequent source of confusion, though the two fields are entirely unrelated.
nounThe branch of zoology concerned with the scientific study of insects, including their biology, behaviour, ecology, and classification.
- The scientific study of insects, as a branch of zoology.
"Her fascination with butterflies led her to pursue a career in entomology."
"She earned her PhD in entomology after years of fieldwork in the Amazon rainforest."
"Advances in entomology have transformed our understanding of pollination and crop pest management."
Rarely used in the plural; 'entomologies' may appear to refer to distinct traditions, treatises, or subfields of insect study, but the singular is overwhelmingly standard.
"Comparative studies across regional entomologies reveal markedly different taxonomic traditions."
Forensic entomologists can estimate time of death by identifying which insects have colonised a body — insects as witnesses.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of entomology
Entomology derives from the Greek 'entomon', meaning 'insect' (literally 'cut into', referring to the segmented bodies of insects), combined with '-logy', from 'logos', meaning 'study' or 'discourse'. The term entered English via New Latin in the mid-18th century, replacing earlier expressions such as 'insectology'. It shares its Greek root with related terms such as 'entomologist' and the combining form 'entomo-', which appears in other scientific coinages.
Related word forms
How entomology is actually used
Formal and academic register; typically used in scientific, educational, or professional contexts rather than everyday conversation. Often appears in compound specialisms such as forensic, medical, or agricultural entomology. Frequently misspelled or confused with 'etymology' owing to their similar spelling and pronunciation.
Easily confused with entomology
Entymology is a common misspelling of etymology (the study of word origins); entomology is the study of insects.
Entomotomy refers to the anatomical dissection of insects; entomology is the broader scientific study of insects.