# meteorology

/ˌmitiɝˈɑɫədʒi/ (US) · /mˌiːtɪɔːɹˈɒlədʒi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/meteorology
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the science of weather

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the study of the atmosphere and how it creates different types of weather.

For teachers: the scientific study of the atmosphere and its phenomena, particularly for the purpose of weather forecasting.

- She decided to study meteorology because she was fascinated by how hurricanes form.
- Advances in satellite technology have allowed the field of meteorology to provide much more accurate long-range forecasts than were possible a decade ago.

Usage: Usually uncountable; refers to the academic or professional discipline.

Teaching tip: Learners often confuse this with 'metrology' (the science of measurement). Remind them that 'meteor-' relates to things in the sky, like meteors or weather.

### 2. weather conditions of a place

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

the specific weather patterns or atmospheric conditions of a certain area.

For teachers: the atmospheric characteristics and weather phenomena of a specific region or time period.

- The unique meteorology of the mountain valley creates a lot of morning fog.
- Researchers are documenting the meteorology of the Arctic circle to better understand the local effects of global temperature shifts.

Usage: Can be used with a definite article to refer to the specific conditions of a location.

Teaching tip: This sense is less common than the name of the science itself; it is mostly found in geography or environmental reports.

## Examples

- I decided to study meteorology because I love tracking storms.
- Advances in meteorology have significantly improved our ability to predict severe hurricanes and evacuate coastal areas in time.
- Modern meteorology relies on a global network of satellites and supercomputers to model atmospheric changes, though local microclimates can still present significant challenges for precise short-term forecasting.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.