geography

[jee-og-ruh-fee]

noun

plural

geographies 

1. the science dealing with the areal differentiation of the earth's surface, as shown in the character, arrangement, and interrelations over the world of such elements as climate, elevation, soil, vegetation, population, land use, industries, or states, and of the unit areas formed by the complex of these individual elements.

2. the study of this science.

3. the topographical features of a region, usually of the earth, sometimes of the planets.

4. a book dealing with this science or study, as a textbook.

5. the arrangement of features of any complex entity.

   the geography of the mind.

geography

/ dʒɪˈɒɡrəfɪ, ˌdʒɪəˈɡræfɪkəl /

noun

1. the study of the natural features of the earth's surface, including topography, climate, soil, vegetation, etc, and man's response to them

2. the natural features of a region

3. an arrangement of constituent parts; plan; layout

geography

1. The scientific study of the Earth's surface and its various climates, countries, peoples, and natural resources.

2. The physical characteristics, especially the surface features, of an area.

Other Word Forms

• geographically adverb
• geographical adjective
• geographer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of geography¹

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin geōgraphia, from Greek geōgraphía “earth description”; equivalent to geo- + -graphy

Example Sentences

Its geography and "porous borders" make it an ideal transit point for illicit drugs, the UN says.

From BBC

It’s not his fault all those countries all start with an A. And isn’t there a geography lesson in it for all of us, if not a history lesson?

From Los Angeles Times

The retired geography teacher, from Ystalyfera, Neath Port Talbot, was expecting to celebrate his 70th birthday in the company of family and friends.

From BBC

The disparities seen across Indian states mirror a global divide shaped by geography, income, and access to care.

From BBC

Pakistan's geography makes it extremely vulnerable to climate change, as the country contends with both extreme heat and rain.

From BBC

Related Words

• earth science 
• geology 
• geopolitics 
• topography