geometry

noun

ge·​om·​e·​try jē-ˈä-mə-trē 

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

Synonyms

• cast
• configuration
• conformation
• fashion
• figure
• form
• shape

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

Steel Nomad's regular (4K) and Light (1440p) subtests focus on APIs more commonly used for game development, like Metal and DirectX 12 in addition to Vulkan, to assess gaming geometry and particle effects. —PCMAG, 16 Mar. 2025

Each dial is inherently unique, shaped and finished to complement the distinct case geometry of the F77. —Matthew Catellier, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

The theory, known as cosmic inflation, has been used to explain the universe’s flat geometry and lack of curvature, and as a possible reason for how some of the largest structures in the universe — galaxies and clusters of galaxies, for instance — came to be. —Denise Chow, NBC News, 26 Feb. 2025

Manhar Dalal, a math teacher and coach at Baltimore’s Western High School, opposed the plan to consolidate geometry instruction into Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 courses. —Carson Swick, Baltimore Sun, 26 Feb. 2025

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

Phrases Containing geometry

• algebraic geometry
• analytic geometry
• coordinate geometry
• differential geometry
• euclidean geometry
• plane geometry
• projective geometry
• Riemannian geometry
• solid geometry
• spherical geometry
• synthetic geometry

Rhymes for geometry

• cytometry
• isometry
• manometry
• morphometry
• optometry
• photometry
• spectrometry
• spirometry
• thermometry
• anthropometry
• audiometry
• densitometry

Kids Definition

geometry

noun

ge·​om·​e·​try jē-ˈäm-ə-trē 

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