plural geckos also geckoes
: any of numerous small chiefly tropical and nocturnal insectivorous lizards (family Gekkonidae)

Illustration of gecko

Illustration of gecko

Examples of gecko 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.
Ptenopus sceletus, or the Skeleton Coast barking gecko, was one of these lizards. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025 There have been many previous perching drone designs, but these typically have hooks or grasping claws to hold on to branches or powerlines, or use magnets or gecko-like feet to attach to vertical surfaces. David Hambling, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Anna-av/Getty Images The structure of the gecko's toes have inspired many a previous product—from special superglues through to 'spiderman'-style climbing suits—but such have long proven difficult to emulate in medical and personal care products. Health Reporter, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025 Everyone's favorite tail-whipping, channel-surfing gecko is back in a collection that features all of his best-selling adventures! Mitch Wallace, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gecko

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from Malay dialect geʔkok

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gecko was in 1774

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Cite this Entry

“Gecko.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gecko. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

gecko

noun
plural geckos or geckoes
: any of numerous small harmless chiefly tropical lizards that eat insects and are active at night

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