zodiac

noun

zo·​di·​ac ˈzō-dē-ˌak How to pronounce zodiac (audio)
1
a
: an imaginary band in the heavens centered on the ecliptic that encompasses the apparent paths of all the planets and is divided into 12 constellations or signs each taken for astrological purposes to extend 30 degrees of longitude
b
: a figure representing the signs of the zodiac and their symbols
2
: a cyclic course
a zodiac of feasts and fastsR. W. Emerson
zodiacal adjective
zodiac table

Examples of zodiac in a Sentence

a political candidate dealing with the never-ending zodiac of rubber-chicken dinners and meet and greets
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.
Read on for what Mercury in Capricorn means for your zodiac sign. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 8 Jan. 2025 Every zodiac sign brings its own unique energy to the table, which means there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to setting intentions. Daisy Maldonado, refinery29.com, 6 Jan. 2025 Consider looking to your zodiac sign to tailor your home cleaning resolutions. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Jan. 2025 The Wolf Moon kicks off the year's lunar cycle and also heralds the beginning of the Year of the Snake for those interested in the Chinese zodiac. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for zodiac 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French zodias, zodiac, borrowed from Latin zōdiacus, adjective (in the combinations circulus/orbis zōdiacus "zodiac"), borrowed from Greek zōidiakós "zodiac" (originally modifying kýklos "circle"), from zṓidion "painted or carved figure, sign of the zodiac" (from zôion "animal, figure, image" + -idion, diminutive suffix) + -akos, variant of -ikos -ic entry 1 after a vowel — more at zoo-

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Dictionary Entries Near zodiac

Cite this Entry

“Zodiac.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zodiac. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

zodiac

noun
zo·​di·​ac ˈzōd-ē-ˌak How to pronounce zodiac (audio)
1
: an imaginary belt in the heavens that includes the apparent paths of most of the planets and is divided into 12 star groups or signs
2
: a figure showing the signs of the zodiac
zodiacal adjective
zodiac table
Etymology

Middle English zodiac "zodiac," from Latin zodiacus (same meaning), derived from Greek zōidion "carved or painted figure, sign of the zodiac," from zōion "living being, animal, figure"

More from Merriam-Webster on zodiac

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