noun

geoglyph

JEE-oh-glif

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Geoglyph (noun) means a large design or image made on the ground, often by arranging stones or scratching the earth, that is usually only clearly visible from a distance or from the air. Example: “The ancient geoglyph could only be properly made out from the air.”

noun

archaeology A large design or image made on the ground, often by arranging stones or scratching the earth, that is usually only clearly visible from a distance or from the air.

"The ancient geoglyph could only be properly made out from the air."

"Researchers used drone photography to survey the newly found geoglyph."

"The desert geoglyph had been formed by clearing rows of stones aside."

How to use geoglyph

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA geoglyph is a huge picture or pattern made on the ground, often only recognisable when seen from high up.

When to use it

Geoglyph is a specialist term used mainly in archaeology and heritage writing.

Memory tip

Splitting the word into geo- (earth) and glyph (carved figure) helps you remember it describes a ground-level design.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

petroglyph

Common pairings

ancient geoglyph desert geoglyph geoglyph site aerial view of a geoglyph

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “geoglyph” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The ancient _____ could only be properly made out from the air.

Etymology

Geoglyph combines geo-, meaning earth, with glyph, meaning a carved or incised figure. It was coined on the model of the earlier word petroglyph.

Origin: Greek

Frequently asked questions

What is a geoglyph?

A geoglyph is a large image or pattern made on the ground, often from arranged stones or marks scratched into the earth.

How are geoglyphs made?

They are typically made by arranging lines of stones or scratching designs into the earth's surface.

Why are geoglyphs hard to see from the ground?

Because of their huge scale, geoglyphs are often only fully recognisable when viewed from a distance or from the air.

What is the meaning of geoglyph?

"geoglyph" (noun) means a large design or image made on the ground, often by arranging stones or scratching the earth, that is usually only clearly visible from a distance or from the air.