Greek

1 of 2

noun

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
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
In 2002, The Standard, Downtown LA, opened in the former Superior Oil Company Building, with the venue becoming a magnet for Hollywood’s elite and feature prominently in many film and TV shows, including Get Him to the Greek and Entourage. Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Sep. 2024 For example, Greek yogurt, nut butter, fruits, and whole grains contain essential nutrients that enhance relaxation and promote restfulness. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 30 Sep. 2024
Adjective
Pair pineapple with protein: Combining pineapple with a source of protein, such as unsweetened Greek yogurt, nuts, or cottage cheese, can help stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full for longer. Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 30 Sep. 2024 Foods rich in tryptophan and melatonin can support the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, encouraging quality rest. Snacks that include ingredients like Greek yogurt, whole wheat wraps, mixed nuts, and fresh fruit can satisfy hunger cravings and encourage the body's natural relaxation. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for Greek 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Greek.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of Greek was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near Greek

Cite this Entry

“Greek.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Greek. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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