planetary

adjective

plan·​e·​tary ˈpla-nə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce planetary (audio)
1
a
: of, relating to, being, or resembling a planet
c
: having a motion like that of a planet
planetary electrons
d
: immense
the scope of this project has reached planetary proportions
2
a
: of, relating to, or belonging to the earth : terrestrial
b
: global, worldwide
planetary politics
3
: having or consisting of an epicyclic train of gear wheels

Examples of planetary in a Sentence

a positively planetary new shopping development
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.
How to best view the planetary alignment The planetary alignment, if visible, will occur toward the west, after the sun sets. Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025 This planetary alignment is stirring up emotions around balance, compromise and finding harmony between your needs and those of others. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025 There are different kinds of planetary alignments, according to Star Walk. Kelly Tyko, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025 Mercury, your planetary ruler, beginning its retrograde in Aries on March 15th might bring confusion to your social life. Dossé-Via Trenou, refinery29.com, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for planetary

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of planetary was in 1607

Cite this Entry

“Planetary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/planetary. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

planetary

adjective
plan·​e·​tary ˈplan-ə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce planetary (audio)
1
a
: of or relating to a planet
b
: having a motion like that of a planet
planetary electrons of the atomic nucleus
2
: worldwide, global
a matter of planetary concern

More from Merriam-Webster on planetary

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!