Meaning & use

Geek

noun·Everyday

Last updated

a person with an intense, often specialized enthusiasm or expertise in a particular subject, especially technology or a niche hobby.

See it in a sentence

She's a self-proclaimed computer geek who builds her own gaming rigs.

The convention drew thousands of comic-book geeks eager to meet their favorite artists.

A note on using this word

Originally a carnival term for a performer who did bizarre stunts; the modern, largely affectionate sense emerged in the late 20th century.

Words with a similar meaning

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Another way to use it

2. noun

historical: a carnival or circus performer who did grotesque acts, such as biting the heads off live animals.

The old sideshow featured a geek who bit the head off a live chicken.

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