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• eco
  eco

  adjective

  ecological or environmental.
• Eco
  Eco

  noun

  Umberto, 1932–2016, Italian novelist and philosopher.
• eco-
  eco-

  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 ).

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

See Examples For:

eco Eco eco-

Members of the school's eco club set up the scheme with the idea that the clothes would be washed and returned after the event and ready for the next Year 11 prom.

From BBC ● Jun. 4, 2026

He said setting washing machines and dishwashers to eco mode could lead to savings of more than 35%.

From BBC ● Sep. 20, 2025

Pupils on the eco committee at Roath Park Primary School in Cardiff said they did what they could to encourage their friends and parents to reduce car use to help the environment.

From BBC ● Jun. 18, 2025

"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

The entire boat was a floating eco hazard.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer

Leamington's shop is a shared space on Bedford Street with Leamington Eco Hub.

From BBC ● Jun. 4, 2026

Eco shop owner, Kirsty Scott, is also feeling the pinch with rising costs.

From BBC ● Apr. 13, 2026

Samsara Eco has also opened a Singapore office and plans to open a KBR-designed commercial facility in Southeast Asia in 2028.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 10, 2026

In one suspected attack in July, an explosion on the Eco Wizard tanker led to a leak of ammonia.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 3, 2025

And the funny thing was, my father looked straight at Ernie Eco.

From "Okay for Now" by Gary D. Schmidt

Jean Bosco Nzeyimana of Rwanda, who is the founder and CEO Of Habona Ltd., a company that uses biomass and waste to develop eco- friendly fuels that are used in rural Africa.

From Time ● Jun. 24, 2016

“Our clients in particular are eco- and health-minded, and the grown look certainly suits a girl who is more au naturel.”

From New York Times ● Jan. 29, 2014

Whatever the airport's main function may be, locals are hoping for a boost to the region's eco- and historical tourism.

From BBC ● Aug. 23, 2012

Among the biggest bugbears revealed in the consultation document – the draft ppdate guidance on green claims - are general, untestable claims like products being "eco-" or "environmentally friendly".

From The Guardian ● Mar. 23, 2010

And in a recession, there will be few barons, eco- or otherwise, left standing.

From Time Magazine Archive