geometry

American  

[jee-om-i-tree] / dʒiˈɒm ɪ tri /

noun

plural

geometries

1. Mathematics. the branch of mathematics that deals with the deduction of the properties, measurement, and relationships of points, lines, angles, and figures in space from their defining conditions by means of certain assumed properties of space.

2. Mathematics. any specific system of the branch of mathematics describing points, lines, angles, and figures in space, that operates in accordance with a specific set of assumptions.

   Euclidean geometry.

3. Mathematics. the study of the branch of mathematics that describes points, lines, angles, and figures in space.

4. Mathematics. a book on the subject of the branch of mathematics that describes points, lines, angles, and figures in space, especially a textbook.

5. the shape or form of a surface or solid.

6. a design or arrangement of objects in simple rectilinear or curvilinear form.

7. Digital Technology. the polygons that constitute the building blocks of every object or environment in a video game.

   Player characters getting stuck in geometry is a common glitch in 3D games.

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geometry British  

/ dʒɪˈɒmɪtrɪ /

noun

1. the branch of mathematics concerned with the properties, relationships, and measurement of points, lines, curves, and surfaces See also analytical geometry non-Euclidean geometry

2. 1. any branch of geometry using a particular notation or set of assumptions

      analytical geometry

   2. any branch of geometry referring to a particular set of objects

      solid geometry

3. a shape, configuration, or arrangement

4. arts the shape of a solid or a surface

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geometry Scientific  

/ jē-ŏm′ĭ-trē /

1. The mathematical study of the properties, measurement, and relationships of points, lines, planes, surfaces, angles, and solids.

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geometry Cultural  

1. The branch of mathematics that treats the properties, measurement, and relations of points, lines, angles, surfaces, and solids. (See Euclid and plane geometry.)

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Etymology

Origin of geometry

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English gemetri(e), from Old French geometrie, from Latin geōmetria, from Greek geōmetría; geo-, -metry

Explanation

Geometry is the part of mathematics that deals with calculating the distance around a circle, the angles that make up a triangle, or the amount of room inside a cube. If it involves measuring space, it’s probably geometry. The Greek roots of geometry literally mean “to measure earth,” and over 5000 years ago farmers started using geometry to figure out how much land they owned. You study geometry in school, and you use it all the time, like calculating the best angle to cut a piece of wood for a birdhouse, or when playing a game of pool. Astronomers use geometry to measure planets millions of miles away—much easier than finding a ruler that big.

Example Sentences

The selection celebrates unexpected color, inventive patterns, and lush paint, disciplined by subtle geometry, but it also documents the Paris art world of the time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

“But you’re stuck with your facial geometry and your fingerprint for life unless you take drastic measures like burning your fingerprints off,” he says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

They are effectively frustrated because the geometry of the lattice prevents them from achieving the lowest energy arrangement.

From Science Daily • Mar. 16, 2026

“I wasn’t that crazy about algebra, and I did not fully master it, but geometry was something that just came naturally to me,” she wrote in a 2020 memoir, “It Began With a Dream.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

We shall study geometry by calculating the volume of our suitcases and organizing our packing accordingly.”

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• algebra
• calculation
• calculus
• math