solar system

noun

: the sun together with the group of celestial bodies that are held by its attraction and revolve around it
also : a similar system centered on another star

Examples of solar system 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.
The space rock was spotted late last year and reported on Dec. 27, 2024, to the Minor Planet Center, the official authority for observing and reporting new asteroids, comets and other small bodies in the solar system. James Powel, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025 Asteroids are small, rocky masses left over from the formation of the solar system nearly 4.6 billion years ago. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025 Silicates are a key part of star formation, as well as the formation of solar systems. Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 20 Feb. 2025 Still, the oddball world at the edge of our solar system will continue to intrigue astronomers. Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for solar system

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1704, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of solar system was circa 1704

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Cite this Entry

“Solar system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solar%20system. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

solar system

noun
: a star with the group of heavenly bodies that revolve around it
especially : the sun with the planets, moons, asteroids, and comets that orbit it

More from Merriam-Webster on solar system

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