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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The viewpoint was named in honor of the women who helped preserve the site in the mid-20th century and offers one of the gorge’s most iconic panoramas—a sweeping, unobstructed gaze across the river valley, with the crown-like Vista House perched on its promontory in the distance. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2025 Highlights of the Vertical Tasting at Promontory The wine tasting took place in a large room overlooking a vast open space of mountains with the peak of the promontory in the far distance beyond Harlan Estate winery. Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 Nestled on a promontory at the island's northern tip, this 5-star resort offers a secluded escape surrounded by nature. Livia Hengel, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025 Published on April 3, 2025 By Wendy Bowman Pierre Galant Photo : Pierre Galant Photo : Pierre Galant The home is sited amid a nearly three-acre promontory on the outskirts of Los Angeles, nestled into the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for promontory

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Promontory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/promontory. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on promontory

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