aurora

noun

au·​ro·​ra ə-ˈrȯr-ə 

ȯ-

plural auroras or aurorae ə-ˈrȯr-(ˌ)ē 

ȯ-

1

: dawn

2

capitalized : the Roman goddess of dawn compare eos

3

: a luminous phenomenon that consists of streamers or arches of light appearing in the upper atmosphere of a planet's magnetic polar regions and is caused by the emission of light from atoms excited by electrons accelerated along the planet's magnetic field lines

auroral

ə-ˈrȯr-əl 

ȯ-

adjective

aurorean

ə-ˈrȯr-ē-ən 

ȯ-

adjective

Synonyms

• cockcrow
• dawn
• dawning
• day
• daybreak
• daylight
• light
• morn
• morning
• sun
• sunrise
• sunup

Examples of aurora in a Sentence

a gorgeous pink aurora aroused us out of our slumber

Recent Examples on the Web

Back at the cabin, relax by the indoor fireplace or hang outside after dusk to watch for one of the Upper Peninsula’s greatest treats: the aurora borealis. —Stephanie Vermillion, Outside Online, 6 Nov. 2024

These events interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, often pulling aurora borealis below the Canadian border. —Ty Roush, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Named after the first European settlers to travel through this part of the world, this park near the Canadian border is known for its waterways, its dark, starry skies, and the regular appearance of the aurora borealis. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2024

From a supermoon to multiple aurora borealis displays, October has hosted countless celestial events for sky gazers —with one more potentially on the way. —Cailey Gleeson, Journal Sentinel, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin — more at east

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing aurora

• aurora australis
• aurora borealis

Kids Definition

aurora

noun

au·​ro·​ra ə-ˈrōr-ə 

ȯ-ˈrōr-,

-ˈrȯr-

plural auroras or aurorae -ē 

1

: dawn entry 2 sense 1

2

: aurora borealis

3

: aurora australis

auroral

-əl 

adjective

Geographical Definition

Aurora

geographical name

Au·​ro·​ra ə-ˈrȯr-ə 

ȯ-

1

city in north central Colorado east of Denver population 325,078

2

city west of Chicago in northeastern Illinois population 197,899

3

town north of Toronto in southeastern Ontario, Canada population 53,203