constellation

noun

con·​stel·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce constellation (audio)
1
: the configuration of stars especially at one's birth
2
: any of 88 arbitrary configurations of stars or an area of the celestial sphere covering one of these configurations
the constellation Orion
3
: an assemblage, collection, or group of usually related persons, qualities, or things
… a constellation of … relatives, friends, and hangers-on …Brendan Gill
a constellation of symptoms
4
: pattern, arrangement
… taking advantage of the shifting constellation of power throughout the known world.H. D. Lasswell
constellatory adjective

Examples of constellation in a Sentence

The constellation Ursa Major contains the stars of the Big Dipper. A large constellation of relatives and friends attended the funeral. The patient presented a constellation of symptoms.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Globalstar currently operates 31 satellites and has already ordered as many as 26 satellites to replenish and upgrade its constellation in low Earth orbit. Michael Sheetz, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2024 Meteors will be visible near the Taurus constellation, which can be found by looking for the Orion constellation and then turning toward the northeast, though meteor streaks will be visible across the night sky. Ty Roush, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 November is also a great month to look for easy-to-spot Pleiades, a sparkly cluster of over 1,000 stars in the Taurus constellation. Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 1 Nov. 2024 Trump officials say that has enabled the campaign and the constellation of groups to remain tactically aligned. Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for constellation 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English constellacioun, from Anglo-French constellation, from Late Latin constellation-, constellatio, from Latin com- + stella star — more at star

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near constellation

Cite this Entry

“Constellation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constellation. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

constellation

noun
con·​stel·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce constellation (audio)
: any of 88 groups of stars forming patterns
Etymology

Middle English constellacioun "the position of the stars in the sky at the time of a person's birth," from early French constellation (same meaning), from Latin con-, com- "with" and stella "star"

Medical Definition

constellation

noun
con·​stel·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce constellation (audio)
: a set of ideas, conditions, symptoms, or traits that fall into or appear to fall into a pattern: as
a
: a group of stimulus conditions or factors affecting personality and behavior development
the way in which family constellation and handling of punishment influenced this particular boyS. B. Sarason
b
: a group of behavioral or personality traits
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