orb

1 of 2

noun

ˈȯrb 

1

: any of the concentric spheres in old astronomy surrounding the earth and carrying the celestial bodies in their revolutions

2

archaic : something circular : circle, orbit

3

: a spherical body

especially : a spherical celestial object

4

: eye

5

: a sphere surmounted by a cross symbolizing kingly power and justice

orb

2 of 2

verb

orbed; orbing; orbs

transitive verb

1

: to form into a disk or circle

2

archaic : encircle, surround, enclose

intransitive verb

archaic : to move in an orbit

Synonyms

Noun

• ball
• globe
• sphere

Examples of orb in a Sentence

Noun

The moon was a silvery orb.

out of the countless celestial orbs twirling in space, the planet Earth remains the only one we can call home, so perhaps we should take care of it

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Using the orb webs of bridge spiders on the Binghamton University campus, Miles and Jian Zhou, who is also a mechanical engineer at the university, led tests of their sensitivities. —Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2024

From director James Gunn, Guardians of the Galaxy followed a ragtag group of space criminals who come together to save the universe from a villain and his all-powerful orb. —Jessica Wang, EW.com, 10 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French orbe, borrowed from Latin orbis "disk, circle, sphere, orbit," perhaps a derivative of an Indo-European verbal base *h₃erbh- "turn, be turned over, undergo transfer," whence also Tocharian B yerpe "disk," Hittite harp- "change sides, change allegiance"

Note: See also etymology at orphan entry 1.

Verb

derivative of orb entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1600, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing orb

• orb weaver
• orb web

Kids Definition

orb

noun

ˈȯ(ə)rb

1

: something (as a planet) in the shape of a ball

2

: eye entry 1 sense 1