Greek refers to anything related to Greece, an ancient civilization that flourished thousands of years ago and continues as a modern country in southeastern Europe. When we call something Greek, we mean it comes from or connects to the people, language, or culture of Greece.

Ancient Greece gave the world remarkable gifts that we still use today: democracy (rule by the people), the Olympic Games, amazing stories about gods and heroes like Zeus and Heracles, groundbreaking philosophy from thinkers like Socrates and Aristotle, and stunning architecture with graceful columns. Greek mathematicians like Pythagoras developed theories you'll learn in geometry class. Greek playwrights wrote the first dramas and comedies. Even our alphabet comes partly from the Greeks.

The Greek language has influenced English enormously. Words like telephone, bicycle, photograph, and dinosaur all come from Greek roots. When scientists discover something new, they often use Greek words to name it.

Modern Greeks still speak Greek (though it has changed over thousands of years), enjoy traditional foods like olives and feta cheese, and celebrate their heritage. You might have Greek friends at school, or visit a Greek restaurant.

People also use “Greek” informally to mean something incomprehensible, as in “That advanced math problem looks like Greek to me!”