gecko

gecko — noun

1. A small lizard found in warm regions, with broad toes covered in sticky pads tha

1.nounB1
Definition

A small lizard found in warm regions, with broad toes covered in sticky pads that allow it to climb smooth surfaces such as walls and ceilings. Most geckos are active at night and feed on insects.

Example

The gecko climbed up the kitchen wall while Noa watched from the table.

gecko + climb up walls — typical behaviour

A small green gecko hid behind the picture frame in Beatriz's bedroom.

Common collocations
  • climb walls
  • sticky toes
  • hunt insects
  • tropical regions
  • come into houses

Common collocations

Nouns

  • wall
  • ceiling
  • insect
  • window
  • tropical region

Phrases

  • climb up
  • hide behind
  • feed on

Prepositions

  • on (the wall)
  • in (the house)
  • behind (the furniture)
  • across (the ceiling)

Etymology

MalayDutchEnglish

Gecko entered English through Dutch from Malay 'gēkōk', which imitates the chattering or clicking call that these lizards make. The name originally referred to the common house gecko species native to Southeast Asia.