gazetteer
UK: ˌɡæzəˈtɪə | US: ˌɡæzəˈtɪr
n. 1. A geographical dictionary or index, often listing place names and features.
n. 2. (Historical) A journalist or writer for a gazette (newspaper).
gazetteer = gazette<newspaper> + er<agent suffix>
- gazette (from Italian gazzetta, originally a Venetian coin, later a small newspaper; metaphorically "cheap news")
- er (agentive suffix in English, indicating "one who does or is associated with")
Etymology Origin:
The word gazetteer originated in the early 17th century, initially referring to a journalist or writer for a gazette (a small newspaper). By the 18th century, it evolved to denote a geographical dictionary, likely because such compilations were published in gazettes or resembled their format. The suffix -er consistently marks agency, shifting from "one who writes news" to "a book listing places."
The librarian handed me a gazetteer to locate the remote village.
Early gazetteers were essential tools for travelers and cartographers.
He worked as a gazetteer for a local newspaper in the 1700s.
Modern digital gazetteers integrate maps and demographic data.
The gazetteer’s detailed entries helped researchers identify historical landmarks.