constellation

noun

con·​stel·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce constellation (audio)
1
: the configuration of stars especially at one's birth
2
: any of 88 arbitrary configurations of stars or an area of the celestial sphere covering one of these configurations
the constellation Orion
3
: an assemblage, collection, or group of usually related persons, qualities, or things
… a constellation of … relatives, friends, and hangers-on …Brendan Gill
a constellation of symptoms
4
: pattern, arrangement
… taking advantage of the shifting constellation of power throughout the known world.H. D. Lasswell
constellatory adjective

Examples of constellation in a Sentence

The constellation Ursa Major contains the stars of the Big Dipper. A large constellation of relatives and friends attended the funeral. The patient presented a constellation of symptoms.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The entire constellation should be in orbit by 2030. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2025 The initial Project Kuiper constellation will consist of about 3,200 satellites in LEO, according to Amazon. Mike Wall, Space.com, 2 Apr. 2025 The mission is a pivotal step toward beginning commercial service for Amazon’s Project Kuiper, an initiative launched in 2019 that aims to provide broadband internet from a constellation of more than 3,000 satellites. Annie Palmer, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025 More star-like shapes connected by lines run down the length of the blade, possibly symbolizing constellations. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for constellation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English constellacioun, from Anglo-French constellation, from Late Latin constellation-, constellatio, from Latin com- + stella star — more at star

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of constellation was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Constellation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constellation. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

constellation

noun
con·​stel·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce constellation (audio)
: any of 88 groups of stars forming patterns
Etymology

Middle English constellacioun "the position of the stars in the sky at the time of a person's birth," from early French constellation (same meaning), from Latin con-, com- "with" and stella "star"

Medical Definition

constellation

noun
con·​stel·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce constellation (audio)
: a set of ideas, conditions, symptoms, or traits that fall into or appear to fall into a pattern: as
a
: a group of stimulus conditions or factors affecting personality and behavior development
the way in which family constellation and handling of punishment influenced this particular boyS. B. Sarason
b
: a group of behavioral or personality traits

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