celestial body
noun
variants
or less commonly celestial object
plural celestial bodies also celestial objects
: an aggregation of matter in the universe (such as a planet, star, or nebula) that can be considered as a single unit (as for astronomical study)
But many scientists began seriously rethinking their notions of the solar system in 1992, when we identified a small celestial body—just a few hundred kilometers across—sited farther from the sun than any of the known planets.—
Jane X. Luu et al.
Jane X. Luu et al.As the observer looks at a star or other celestial body its light rays pass through a single point on the earth's surface.—Dutton's Navigation and Piloting, 14th edition
Dutton's Navigation and Piloting, 14th editionA black hole forms when a star or other celestial object collapses under the pull of its own gravity.—Mary Durack Miller
Mary Durack Millercalled also heavenly body
Examples of celestial body in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
An elliptical galaxy and a spiral galaxy appear as one celestial body as a result of the effects of mass on spacetime, the fabric of the universe.
—Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 28 Mar. 2025
This red-hot planet will be activated by a whole slew of celestial bodies during the first week of April, giving you one final green light to fearlessly chase your ambitions.
—Nina Kahn, StyleCaster, 24 Mar. 2025
Donald Trump Impeachment Warning Issued Musk Links Social Security Cuts to Immigration, Voter Fraud
Letitia James Calls Out Donald Trump Over Social Security: 'Shameful'
Green: A part of certain animal or celestial bodies, or an area in a building.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 23 Mar. 2025
How to find Venus in the sky Observers won’t need any special equipment for viewing Venus, as the celestial body is the third brightest object in our sky after the sun and the moon.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for celestial body
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Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 28 Mar. 2025
This red-hot planet will be activated by a whole slew of celestial bodies during the first week of April, giving you one final green light to fearlessly chase your ambitions.
—Nina Kahn, StyleCaster, 24 Mar. 2025
Donald Trump Impeachment Warning Issued Musk Links Social Security Cuts to Immigration, Voter Fraud
Letitia James Calls Out Donald Trump Over Social Security: 'Shameful'
Green: A part of certain animal or celestial bodies, or an area in a building.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 23 Mar. 2025
How to find Venus in the sky Observers won’t need any special equipment for viewing Venus, as the celestial body is the third brightest object in our sky after the sun and the moon.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for celestial body
Cite this Entry
“Celestial body.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celestial%20body. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
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