English Reference
noun

gregory

n.
US /ˈɡɹɛɡɝi/ gre·go·ry

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    a common first name for a man.

    a male given name of Ancient Greek origin, meaning 'watchful' or 'alert'.

    Simple

    Gregory was the first person to arrive at the party on Saturday night.

    In context

    Gregory has been a popular name for popes and saints throughout history, reflecting its traditional roots in the Christian church.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency British EnglishSlangDialect

    a slang word for your neck.

    a slang term for the neck, derived from Cockney rhyming slang 'Gregory Peck'.

    Simple

    He wrapped a warm scarf around his Gregory to keep the cold wind out.

    In context

    The old Londoner complained about a stiff Gregory after sleeping in an awkward position on the bus.

    Usage

    Usually used with a possessive pronoun like 'my' or 'his'.


Via Latin Grēgorius, from post-classical Ancient Greek Γρηγόριος (Grēgórios, “watchful, vigilant”), from Ancient Greek ἐγείρω (egeírō, “awaken, arouse”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Ancient Greek ἐγείρω
Level C2 · Proficiency
Frequency Frequent
Updated