geometry

noun

ge·​om·​e·​try jē-ˈä-mə-trē How to pronounce geometry (audio)
plural geometries
1
a
: a branch of mathematics that deals with the measurement, properties, and relationships of points, lines, angles, surfaces, and solids
broadly : the study of properties of given elements that remain invariant under specified transformations
b
: a particular type or system of geometry
Euclidean geometry
2
a
: configuration
… the [bicycle] frame's geometry can be adjusted via a two-position lower shock mount which slackens the angles by another half a degree.Liam Mercer
b
: surface shape
the geometry of the landscape
The shape of the earbud is tailored to the geometry of your ear.Noah Robischon
The Ken Onion also allows you to choose the type of blade geometry for whatever implement you're sharpening …Ariel Kanter
Every object naturally resonates when hit by electromagnetic waves of particular frequencies, which are determined by the object's geometry and material properties.Ada Poon
3
: an arrangement of objects or parts that suggests geometric figures
the geometry of neoclassical architecture

Examples of geometry in a Sentence

the geometry of Sydney's famed opera house is suggestive of some modernistic sailing ship
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.
Boissevain’s nature photography captures these in-transition landscapes in vivid hues and alien geometries, from close-ups of jellyfish-like crystal deposits to aerial shots of what scans like the surface of Mars. Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025 Its geometry can be tailored for specific scenarios, and in one demonstration, the humanoid gymnast robot used its flexible limbs to swing along a ceiling for locomotion. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025 The new Studio introduces an intuitive Smart Machining Wizard that automatically analyzes project geometry and recommends optimal toolpath parameters. New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2025 The next pair, Steel Nomad's regular and Light subtests, focuses on APIs more commonly used for game development, like Metal and DirectX 12, to assess gaming geometry and particle effects. PC Magazine, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for geometry

Word History

Etymology

Middle English geometrie, from Anglo-French, from Latin geometria, from Greek geōmetria, from geōmetrein to measure the earth, from geō- ge- + metron measure — more at measure

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of geometry was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Geometry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/geometry. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

geometry

noun
ge·​om·​e·​try jē-ˈäm-ə-trē How to pronounce geometry (audio)
plural geometries
1
: a branch of mathematics that deals with points, lines, angles, surfaces, and solids
2
: shape entry 2
the geometry of a crystal

More from Merriam-Webster on geometry

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