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noun Uncommon

geek

geek
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Geek (noun) means a person deeply and enthusiastically interested in a particular subject, often technology, science fiction, or games. Example: “He's a total computer geek who builds his own PCs.”

noun
1
A person deeply and enthusiastically interested in a particular subject, often technology, science fiction, or games.
"He's a total computer geek who builds his own PCs."
"She wears her comic-book geek status proudly."
"My brother is such a film geek that he knows every actor's name."
2
An expert in a technical field, particularly computing.
"The IT geeks fixed the server in minutes."
"Ask one of the network geeks if the wireless signal can be improved."
"She is a security geek who spots weak passwords at once."

How to use geek

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone very into a particular hobby or subject, especially tech — nowadays usually said with pride rather than as an insult.

Memory tip

Unlike decades ago, calling someone a "geek" about a hobby today is often a compliment, not an insult.

Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
nerd →
Common pairings
computer geek tech geek geek out
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Word forms

Plural
geeks
Third person singular
geeks
Past tense
geeked
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He's a total computer _____ who builds his own PCs.

Etymology

Originally carnival slang for a sideshow performer who did shocking stunts, itself from an old dialect word geck meaning "fool" — the meaning shifted over the 20th century from "oddball" to today's more affectionate "enthusiast."

· First attested 1900

Class of 1900 geek joined the language around 1900.
addictive Alfredo Alyssa antsy applesauce
See the full Class of 1900 →

Synonyms

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techie enthusiast buff aficionado flake oddball eccentric

Related words

type character built piece fan insane sexy Polish

Rhymes for geek

eek week seek meek leek peek reek Zeek Greek cheek creek sleek
See all rhymes for geek →

Frequently asked questions

What does “geek” mean?
The word “geek” means a person deeply and enthusiastically interested in a particular subject, often technology, science fiction, or games. In plain terms, someone very into a particular hobby or subject, especially tech — nowadays usually said with pride rather than as an insult.
How do you pronounce “geek”?
“Geek” is pronounced geek (/ɡiːk/ in IPA).
How do you use “geek” in a sentence?
Here is “geek” used in a sentence: “He's a total computer geek who builds his own PCs.”
What part of speech is “geek”?
“Geek” is a noun.
Where does the word “geek” come from?
The word “geek” dates back to around 1900.
Is “geek” a common word?
“Geek” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “geek” have?
“Geek” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person deeply and enthusiastically interested in a particular subject, often technology, science fiction, or games.
What is the difference between a geek and a nerd?
Geek and nerd are closely related informal terms, with geek generally emphasizing enthusiastic interest in a subject like technology or science fiction, while nerd can carry a stronger connotation of academic or intellectual focus. In modern usage the two terms overlap heavily and are often used interchangeably.
Is geek still considered an insult today?
Geek was once used as a mild insult, but it has largely been reclaimed and is now often used positively or neutrally to describe someone with deep, passionate knowledge in a particular field.
Does geek always refer to technology enthusiasts?
No, while geek is commonly associated with technology and computing experts, it can also describe anyone deeply and enthusiastically interested in any specific subject, such as a "movie geek" or "history geek."

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