orbiter

noun

or·​bit·​er ˈȯr-bə-tər How to pronounce orbiter (audio)
: one that orbits: such as
a
: a spacecraft designed to orbit a celestial body without landing on its surface

Examples of orbiter in a Sentence

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.
Plans include a crewed mission to the Moon, sending an orbiter to Venus, and the first phase of a space station. Harriet Marsden, theweek, 1 Dec. 2024 Because the orbiter was so close on its flyby, the spacecraft tilted and rotated to image each part of the sun's face. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 25 Nov. 2024 Last Friday, the country launched its largest rocket, the Long March 5, carrying an orbiter, lander, ascent vehicle, and a return spacecraft. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 10 May 2024 The flagship mission would send a Uranus orbiter to study the planet. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for orbiter 

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of orbiter was in 1951

Dictionary Entries Near orbiter

Cite this Entry

“Orbiter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orbiter. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

orbiter

noun
or·​bit·​er ˈȯr-bət-ər How to pronounce orbiter (audio)
1
: one that orbits
2
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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