ENGLISH
REFERENCE

promontory

n. countable
C2 Proficiency UK //pɹˈɒməntəɹˌi// promon·to·ry Archaic

n. a high, steep piece of land that sticks out into the water. It is like a large cliff or a tall hill that looks over the sea.

n. a high, steep, or precipitous piece of land projecting into the sea or a large body of water. Often used in geological or maritime contexts to describe a prominent headland.


SIMPLE

The lighthouse stands on a high promontory overlooking the coast.

CONTEXTUAL

The ship anchored safely in the bay, protected from the storm by the massive promontory on the western shore.

COMPLEX

The ancient ruins were discovered atop a rugged promontory, suggesting that the settlement was chosen for its defensive advantages and panoramic views of the surrounding archipelago.

Synonyms
Origin

From Medieval Latin prōmontōrium, from prōmineō, from prō- + mineō (“to project or jut”, from Proto-Indo-European men- (“to stand out”)) + -tōrium (“place”).

© 2026 English Reference