Greek

1 of 2

noun

ˈgrēk 

1

a

: a native or inhabitant of ancient or modern Greece

b

: a person of Greek descent

2

a

: the language used by the Greeks from prehistoric times to the present constituting a branch of Indo-European see Indo-European Languages Table

b

: ancient Greek as used from the time of the earliest records to the end of the second century a.d. see Indo-European Languages Table

c

often not capitalized [translation of Latin Graecum (in the medieval phrase Graecum est; non potest legi It is Greek; it cannot be read)] : something unintelligible

it's Greek to me

3

: a member of a Greek-letter fraternity or sorority

Greek

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of, relating to, or characteristic of Greece, the Greeks, or Greek

Greek architecture

2

a

: eastern orthodox

b

: of or relating to an Eastern church using the Byzantine rite in Greek

c

: of or relating to the established Orthodox church of Greece

3

: of or relating to fraternities or sororities

the Greek system

Examples of Greek in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Tasha Fotopoulos was among the dozens of Greek Orthodox faithful standing in front of St. Iakovos on Saturday waiting for the Thyranoixia, or open the door ceremony. —Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2025

Another mid-day favorite is Olives, an authentic Greek taverna owned by Nick and Gayle Mourgides. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 14 June 2025

Adjective

One of the best-selling series of all time, the fantasy novels have spawned a generation of Greek mythology fanatics, a Broadway musical and a television adaptation on Disney+. —Brendan Le, People.com, 28 June 2025

Grab a hot Caprese pizza or Italian cold cut sandwich and a Greek salad for lunch, or choose from a prepared meal like baked ziti marinara to take home and reheat. —Shannon Greene, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English Greke, from Old English Grēca, from Latin Graecus, from Greek Graikos

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Greek

• Greek Catholic
• Greek cross
• Greek fire
• Greek Orthodox
• Greek Revival
• Greek salad
• Late Greek
• Middle Greek
• Modern Greek

Rhymes for Greek

• beak
• beek
• bleak
• cheek
• chic
• clique
• creak
• creek
• eke
• freak
• geek
• leak

Kids Definition

Greek

noun

ˈgrēk

1

a

: a person born or living in Greece

b

: a person of Greek ancestry

2

: the Indo-European language of the Greeks

Greek adjective