Pluto

noun

Plu·​to ˈplü-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce Pluto (audio)
1
: the Greek god of the underworld compare dis
2
[New Latin] : a dwarf planet occupying an orbit that crosses the orbit of Neptune
Is Pluto a planet?: Usage Guide

In 2006 the International Astronomical Union defined planet in such a way as to exclude Pluto, reclassifying it instead as a dwarf planet. Although discussion of the matter continues, the change has been widely accepted.

Examples of Pluto in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The Sun Conjunct Pluto in Aquarius Signals Radical Transformation and These 4 Zodiac Signs Will Never Be the Same Aries (March 20-April 19) Feel the love, Aries! Skyler Caruso, People.com, 25 Jan. 2025 Related article Astronomers have for decades tried to figure out how Pluto captured its largest moon. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 24 Jan. 2025 Future’s Mixtape Pluto landed at No. 16 on Rolling Stone’s list of the best hip-hop albums last year. Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2025 Henri Alexander Levy directed the black-and-white accompanying visual for the poignant penultimate track from Future’s Billboard 200-topping Mixtape Pluto last year. Heran Mamo, Billboard, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for Pluto 

Word History

Etymology

Latin Pluton-, Pluto, from Greek Ploutōn

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near Pluto

Cite this Entry

“Pluto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Pluto. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

Pluto

noun
Plu·​to ˈplüt-ō How to pronounce Pluto (audio)
: a large object in the outermost part of the solar system that is often considered one of the planets see note at planet

More from Merriam-Webster on Pluto

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