noun

geek

noun

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."

An expert in a technical field, particularly computing.

"The IT geeks fixed the server in minutes."

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

Word Forms

geeked past tense, geeked past tense, geeks plural, geeks plural, geeks singular, geeks singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

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

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."

Rhymes for geek

eek week seek meek leek peek reek Zeek Greek cheek creek sleek

See all rhymes for geek →