English Reference

Word

geology

Phoneticsge·ol·o·gy, stress on the second syllable

US/dʒiˈɑɫədʒi/

UK/dʒɪˈɒlədʒi/

Definitions

01the scientific study

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Science

n. the science that studies the Earth's history, its rocks, and how it was formed.

n. the scientific discipline concerned with the physical structure and substance of the Earth, its history, and the processes that act on it.

“She decided to study geology because she was fascinated by how mountains are formed.”

“Modern geology relies heavily on plate tectonics to explain the distribution of fossils and the formation of mountain ranges across different continents.”

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the academic field of study.

Synonyms

earth science

02rock structure of an area

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical

n. the specific types of rocks and soil found in a particular place.

n. the geological features or rock formations of a specific region or area.

“The geology of this island is mostly volcanic rock and black sand.”

“The local geology consists primarily of limestone, which has led to the formation of extensive cave systems throughout the valley.”

Usage

Can be used as a countable noun when comparing different regions.

Synonyms

rock formationterrain

Real-World Examples

“That creates a challenge for scientists hoping to study chemical evidence connected to the Moon's ancient geology or possible biology.”
ScienceDaily 25 Aug 2026
“In the first year of Bachillerato , biology will be combined with geology and environmental sciences.”
The Local 19 Aug 2026
“For Huelva University Geology professor Francisco Manuel Alonso, fault lines along these Eurasian and African plates mean that an earthquake as severe as Turkey’s cannot be completely ruled out in Spain.”
The Local 15 Oct 2024

Etymology

From geo- + -logy, partly after Renaissance Latin geōlogia, from Ancient Greek γεω- (geō-, “earth”) + Latin -logia (“the study of”), from Ancient Greek -λογία (-logía).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

geology(B2)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference