geometric

American  

[jee-uh-me-trik] / ˌdʒi əˈmɛ trɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to geometry or to the principles of geometry.

2. resembling or employing the simple rectilinear or curvilinear lines or figures used in geometry.

3. of or relating to painting, sculpture, or ornamentation of predominantly geometric characteristics.

4. (often initial capital letter)

   1. pertaining to or designating a style of vase painting developed in Greece between the 10th and 8th centuries b.c., characterized chiefly by rectilinear or curvilinear shapes in abstract and human figuration, often arranged in tiers or panels around the vase.

   2. designating a style of Greek sculpture of approximately the same period, exemplified chiefly in small figurines or reliefs having a schematic and generalized treatment of the human form.

---

noun

1. a geometric pattern, design, etc..

   an ornate and handsome geometric.

geometric British  

/ ˌdʒɪəˈmɛtrɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or following the methods and principles of geometry

2. consisting of, formed by, or characterized by points, lines, curves, or surfaces

   a geometric figure

3. (of design or ornamentation) composed predominantly of simple geometric forms, such as circles, rectangles, triangles, etc

---

Other Word Forms

• geometrically
  adverb
• nongeometric
  adjective
• nongeometrical
  adjective
• nongeometrically
  adverb
• semigeometric
  adjective
• semigeometrical
  adjective
• semigeometrically
  adverb
• subgeometric
  adjective
• subgeometrical
  adjective
• subgeometrically
  adverb
• ungeometric
  adjective
• ungeometrical
  adjective
• ungeometrically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of geometric

First recorded in 1620–30; from Latin geōmetricus, from Greek geōmetrikós, from geométr(ēs) ( geometer + -ikos -ic

Explanation

Use the adjective geometric to describe anything that's decorated with simple shapes and lines. The geometric design of your new wallpaper, with its repeated triangles, makes your room look really sophisticated. In math, geometric refers to geometry — any calculations involving the angles of a polygon or the diameter of a circle are geometric. The Greek root is geometria, "measurement of earth or land." The math definition of geometric is its original meaning, dating to the early 17th century. It wasn't until 1900 that the adjective was first used to describe a design style — specifically, a type of Greek pottery decoration characterized by lines and angles.

Example Sentences

Geometric patterns were made in the sand, on cloth and on people's bodies.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2025

Geometric wooden “sculpture pods” inspired by germinating seeds will reference the Maya belief of life growing out of darkness.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 19, 2023

Samuel Reid, CEO of consulting firm Geometric Energy Corporation said heavy outflows from exchanges could potentially indicate some large buyers were "sniffing out" the end of the bear market.

From Reuters • Nov. 1, 2022

Geometric trees line the outside and concession stands are nestled within, according to a spotlight on the replica on CBS.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2022

Geometric constructions and shapes were the same thing.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

Related Words

• geometrical