geography

[ jee-og-ruh-fee ]

noun

, plural ge·og·ra·phies.

1. the science dealing with the areal differentiation of the earth's surface, as shown in the character, arrangement, and interrelations over the world of such elements as climate, elevation, soil, vegetation, population, land use, industries, or states, and of the unit areas formed by the complex of these individual elements.
2. the study of this science.
3. the topographical features of a region, usually of the earth, sometimes of the planets.
4. a book dealing with this science or study, as a textbook.
5. the arrangement of features of any complex entity:

   the geography of the mind.

geography

/ dʒɪˈɒɡrəfɪ; ˌdʒɪəˈɡræfɪkəl /

noun

1. the study of the natural features of the earth's surface, including topography, climate, soil, vegetation, etc, and man's response to them
2. the natural features of a region
3. an arrangement of constituent parts; plan; layout

geography

/ jē-ŏg′rə-fē /

1. The scientific study of the Earth's surface and its various climates, countries, peoples, and natural resources.
2. The physical characteristics, especially the surface features, of an area.

Derived Forms

• ˌgeoˈgraphically, adverb
• geographical, adjective
• geˈographer, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of geography¹

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin geōgraphia, from Greek geōgraphía “earth description”; equivalent to geo- + -graphy

Example Sentences

Ever since Donald Trump came down that escalator nine years ago, the geography of American politics has been moving in one direction: blue cities, red country.

From Slate

And in 2032, nine members will be elected to the Board of Supervisors, which should allow for more representation of the county’s geography, politics and ethnic diversity.

From Los Angeles Times

The geography teacher was urged to stay at home until the school holidays which were only days away.

From BBC

"I didn't manage to protect him," Audrey F said of her late colleague - a well-liked history and geography teacher in the Paris suburb of Conflans-Sainte-Honorine.

From BBC

Geography and a flight's latitude have a strong influence on whether a contrail is warming.

From BBC

Related Words

• earth science
• geology
• geopolitics
• topography