plural geckos also geckoes
: any of numerous small chiefly tropical and nocturnal insectivorous lizards (family Gekkonidae)

Illustration of gecko

Illustration of gecko

Examples of gecko in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This tiny creature is a Namib sand gecko (Pachydactylus rangei), a desert-dwelling marvel that stays incredibly small even into adulthood. Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 Now, scientists have developed a new kind of anti-slip polymer that sticks to ice, inspired by the humble gecko. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 4 Feb. 2025 This one may look relaxed, but make no mistake—just like the Namib sand gecko, Agamas are built for survival. Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 The gecko is nocturnal and lives in and around limestone caves. Stories By Real-Time News Team, With Ai Summarization, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gecko

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from Malay dialect geʔkok

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gecko was in 1774

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gecko.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gecko. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

gecko

noun
plural geckos or geckoes
: any of numerous small harmless chiefly tropical lizards that eat insects and are active at night

More from Merriam-Webster on gecko

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