noun
Uncommon
geo
gyoh
Geo (noun) means a narrow inlet or gully cut into a sea cliff, especially in Scotland. Example: “The fishermen sheltered their boat in the narrow geo.”
noun
1
A narrow inlet or gully cut into a sea cliff, especially in Scotland.
"The fishermen sheltered their boat in the narrow geo."
"Seabirds nest on the ledges of the steep geo near the headland."
"We watched the waves crash into the deep geo below the cliff path."
How to use geo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA coastal word (mainly Scottish) for a narrow gap or cove in a cliff.
When to use it
A regional term used mainly in Orkney and Shetland.
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Word forms
- Plural
- geos
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The fishermen sheltered their boat in the narrow _____.
Etymology
Borrowed from the Norn language word gjo, itself from Old Norse gjá.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for geo
See all rhymes for geo →Frequently asked questions
What does “geo” mean?
The word “geo” means a narrow inlet or gully cut into a sea cliff, especially in Scotland. In plain terms, a coastal word (mainly Scottish) for a narrow gap or cove in a cliff.
How do you pronounce “geo”?
“Geo” is pronounced gyoh (/ɡjəʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “geo” in a sentence?
Here is “geo” used in a sentence: “The fishermen sheltered their boat in the narrow geo.”
What part of speech is “geo”?
“Geo” is a noun.
Where does the word “geo” come from?
The word “geo” comes from Old Norse. Borrowed from the Norn language word gjo, itself from Old Norse gjá.
Is “geo” a common word?
“Geo” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is a geo in Scottish geography?
A geo is a narrow inlet or gully cut into a sea cliff, most often found along the coastlines of Scotland, especially Orkney and Shetland. The term describes a small, steep-sided channel carved by wave action rather than a wide bay or harbor.
Is "geo" related to the prefix "geo-" used in words like geography?
No, despite the identical spelling, the noun "geo" meaning a coastal gully is a distinct word from the combining form "geo-" found in words like geography and geology. They are unrelated in origin and meaning.
Is geo used outside Scotland?
The term is strongly associated with Scottish and Orcadian or Shetland coastal geography and is not in general everyday use elsewhere in English. It typically appears in place names and descriptions of that region's rugged coastline.
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