eco

¹ American  

[ek-oh, ee-koh] / ˈɛk oʊ, ˈi koʊ /

adjective

1. ecological or environmental.

2. not harmful to the environment.

   an eco resort with no air conditioning.

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noun

1. ecology.

Eco ² American  

[ek-oh, e-kaw] / ˈɛk oʊ, ˈɛ kɔ /

noun

1. Umberto, 1932–2016, Italian novelist and philosopher.

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eco- ³ American  

1. a combining form representing ecology in the formation of compounds (ecosystem; ecotype ); also with the more general sense “environment,” “nature,” “natural habitat” (ecocide; ecolaw; ecopolitics ).

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eco ¹ British  

/ ˈiːkəʊ /

noun

1. 1. short for ecology

   2. ( as modifier )

      an eco group

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Eco ² British  

/ ˈɛkəʊ /

noun

1. Umberto. born 1932, Italian semiologist and writer. His novels include The Name of the Rose (1981) and Foucault's Pendulum (1988)

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eco- ³ British  

combining form

1. denoting ecology or ecological

   ecocide

   ecosphere

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Etymology

Origin of eco

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

"I think the reality is that mums would like an eco option but they are so busy and it would have to be priced appropriately."

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

"I have no intention of clipping anyone's wings. I am not some sort of flight-shaming eco warrior. I love flying – I always have," the transport secretary said.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2025

She said from a "handful" of eco burials, such requests now make up about 20% of her business.

From BBC • Dec. 14, 2024

The study, published in the International Journal of Social Welfare, is part of Kang's larger body of work in climate justice and eco social work.

From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2024

The entire boat was a floating eco hazard.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer