geography

[ jee-og-ruh-fee ]

noun

, plural ge·og·ra·phies.

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

/ ˌdʒɪəˈɡræfɪkəl; dʒɪˈɒɡrəfɪ /

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

/ jē-ŏg′rə-fē /

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.

Derived Forms

• ˌgeoˈgraphically, adverb
• geˈographer, noun
• geographical, adjective

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

Thrilling enables small mom-and-pop shops to sell online, reach new customers and geographies, and generate critical new sources of revenue, especially important during a pandemic.

From Fortune

For many investors, the coronavirus has effectively taken geography out of the equation when it comes to vetting new opportunities.

From TechCrunch

They care because this issue confronts all families, but they understand the burden is exacerbated by issues of race, income, or geography.

From Fortune

At the same time, people are spending more time communicating online, where geography is practically irrelevant.

From Quartz

Between March 1 and August 1, 2020, virtual schooling saw a 238% spike in searches, many of which were specific to geography, with state or school districts comprising most virtual school searches.

From Search Engine Land

If Huckabee runs, the hurdles he faced the last time out, namely geography and money, would still be there.

From The Daily Beast

These trends will affect everything from geography to culture and politics.

From The Daily Beast

Much of the appeal of the Bay Area is a result of happy coincidence of history and geography.

From The Daily Beast

Still, for some, ideology can trump everything — even local geography.

From The Daily Beast

Even in the smallest of Indian locales, the divisions of geography and nationalism are played out on a micro scale.

From The Daily Beast

The Italian trip was discussed, and considerable ignorance of geography was, as is usual, manifested by all present.

From Project Gutenberg

At this spot, according to our works on geography, the Atlantic Ocean changes its name and assumes that of the Pacific.

From Project Gutenberg

In this way, though at first his efforts will be very awkward, he will soon come to know the general geography of the heavens.

From Project Gutenberg

The instruction ranges from history and geography to practical seamanship, with all the intermediate scientific subjects.

From Project Gutenberg

His writings are very numerous, and highly valuable for the purposes of navigation and geography.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• earth science
• geology
• geopolitics
• topography