promontory

[ prom-uhn-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

noun

, plural prom·on·to·ries.

1. a high point of land or rock projecting into the sea or other water beyond the line of coast; a headland.
2. a bluff, or part of a plateau, overlooking a lowland.
3. Anatomy. a prominent or protuberant part.

promontory

/ -trɪ; ˈprɒməntərɪ /

noun

1. a high point of land, esp of rocky coast, that juts out into the sea
2. anatomy any of various projecting structures

promontory

/ prŏm′ən-tôr′ē /

1. A high ridge of land or a rock cliff jutting out into a body of water.

Word History and Origins

Origin of promontory¹

First recorded in 1540–50, promontory is from the Latin word prōmontorium, prōmunturium, of unclear derivation

Word History and Origins

Origin of promontory¹

C16: from Latin prōmunturium headland; related to prōminēre; see prominent

Example Sentences

Fortunately, again, we landed upon a rock promontory that jutted out over the valley and exactly matched the footprint of our tent.

From Outside Online

As well as if a promontory were,as well as any manner of thy friends or of thine own were.

From Nautilus

Promontory is something else, former regulators who help banks comply with—and predict— what their regulators do.

From The Daily Beast

Have the president drive in the golden fence post at Promontory Point II and sign the amnesty right there.

From The Daily Beast

One of the woods of this forest, advancing far into the inundated valley, formed a sort of promontory above the sheet of water.

From Project Gutenberg

"That sandy promontory on the extremity of which stands Fortress Monroe," he answered.

From Project Gutenberg

The promontory Trogilium itself may be considered as a foot of the mountain Mycale.

From Project Gutenberg

On the coast of the continent opposite to the Myndian territory is Astypalæa a promontory, and Zephyrium.

From Project Gutenberg

Above Soli in the interior is Limenia a city, then follows the promontory of Crommyon.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bluff
• jetty