oncology

noun

on·​col·​o·​gy än-ˈkä-lə-jē How to pronounce oncology (audio)
äŋ-
: a branch of medicine concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and study of cancer
oncological
ˌäŋ-kə-ˈlä-ji-kəl How to pronounce oncology (audio)
adjective
or oncologic
ˌäŋ-kə-ˈlä-jik How to pronounce oncology (audio)
oncologist
än-ˈkä-lə-jist How to pronounce oncology (audio)
äŋ-
noun

Examples of oncology 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.
Several of the hospital’s departments, including the intensive care units, the oncology and surgical wings, the toxicology and trauma center, were damaged or destroyed. — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026 Outside of oncology, the analysts also mentioned J & J’s immunology franchise, including Tremfya and Icotyde, as growth drivers too. — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026 The large meeting hall was packed with thousands of oncology physicians, healthcare professionals, patient advocates and other attendees. — Bryan C. Donohue, Baltimore Sun, 1 Sep. 2026 The school has specialists in fields including anesthesiology, cardiology, zoological medicine, oncology, internal medicine, surgery, pathology and diagnostic imaging. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for oncology

Word History

Etymology

onco- + -logy

First Known Use

circa 1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oncology was circa 1857

Rhymes for oncology

See All Rhymes for oncology

Browse Nearby Words

oncological
oncology
oncome
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Oncology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oncology. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

oncology

noun
on·​col·​o·​gy än-ˈkäl-ə-jē How to pronounce oncology (audio)
: a branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of tumors

Medical Definition

oncology

noun
on·​col·​o·​gy än-ˈkäl-ə-jē, äŋ- How to pronounce oncology (audio)
plural oncologies
: a branch of medicine concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and study of cancer
oncological
ˌäŋ-kə-ˈläj-i-kəl How to pronounce oncology (audio)
adjective
also oncologic
-ik How to pronounce oncology (audio)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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