# phonology

/fəˈnɑɫəˌdʒi/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/phonology
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

the study of the sounds in a language and the rules for how they fit together.

For teachers: the systematic study of speech sounds as abstract units within a language, including their patterns and contrasts. Contrasted with phonetics, which focuses on the physical production and perception of sounds.

## Examples

- Phonology studies the sound patterns of a language.
- In her first linguistics class, she learns phonology to understand why English speakers hear 'pin' and 'spin' differently.
- English phonology explains why the plural ending sounds different in 'cats,' 'dogs,' and 'boxes,' even though all three share the same spelling.

---

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.