promontory

noun

prom·​on·​to·​ry ˈprä-mən-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce promontory (audio)
plural promontories
1
a
: a high point of land or rock projecting into a body of water
b
: a prominent mass of land overlooking or projecting into a lowland
2
: a bodily prominence

Examples of promontory in a Sentence

stood on the windswept promontory overlooking the bay Cape May is Delaware Bay's largest promontory.
Recent Examples on the Web Rex the lion stood atop a tall, rocky promontory at the rear of the float. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Jan. 2024 Advertisement Drinking Big Sur Double IPA while dining al fresco above Ragged Point, a stunning promontory on Californ Central Coast, was a treat for the senses. Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Dec. 2023 Tyler Hogan Poised on a private promontory in L.A.’s Hollywood Hills neighborhood, this home is a stylish fusion of mid-century modern and contemporary design. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 29 Dec. 2023 Set high atop a 74-foot promontory overlooking the Pacific coastline, the palatial pad measures 6,300 square feet and comprises five bedrooms and six baths. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 Jan. 2023 The estates are built into the rocky promontories and cliffs overlooking the water below. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2023 Perched atop a rocky promontory at the tip of Reed’s Point, the waterfront abode has been hoisted onto the market for a cool $9.5 million. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2023 According to its website, San Domenico Palace is situated on a rocky promontory above the Ionian Sea. David Chiu, Peoplemag, 25 July 2023 The Côte d’Azur region in the South of France conjures images of charming villages, centuries-old architecture, see-and-be-seen beaches and rocky promontories lined with turquoise water. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'promontory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin promunturium, promonturium; probably akin to prominēre to jut forth — more at prominent

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of promontory was in 1548

Dictionary Entries Near promontory

Cite this Entry

“Promontory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/promontory. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

promontory

noun
prom·​on·​to·​ry ˈpräm-ən-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce promontory (audio)
-ˌtȯr-
plural promontories
: a high point of land sticking out into the sea

Medical Definition

promontory

noun
prom·​on·​to·​ry ˈpräm-ən-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr- How to pronounce promontory (audio)
plural promontories
: a bodily prominence: as
a
: the angle of the ventral side of the sacrum where it joins the vertebra
b
: a prominence on the inner wall of the tympanum of the ear

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