Definition of PLANET (original) (raw)
1
a(1)
: any of the large bodies that revolve around the sun in the solar system
(2)
: a similar body associated with another star
b
: earth —usually used with the
one of the hottest places on the planet
c
: any of the seven celestial bodies sun, moon, Venus, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, and Saturn that in ancient belief have motions of their own among the fixed stars
2
: a celestial body held to influence the fate of human beings
3
: a person or thing of great importance : luminary
Did you know?
Planet goes back to ancient Greek planēt- (literally, "wanderer"), which is derived from planasthai, a Greek verb which means "to wander." The word was originally applied to any of seven visible celestial bodies which appeared to move independently of the fixed stars—the sun, the moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. In line with astronomical discovery and advancement, planet began to be used specifically of the rocky or gaseous bodies that orbit around the sun—a definition which excluded the moon and the sun but included the Earth and, as they were discovered, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. In 2006, the International Astronomical Union developed a narrower definition of planet, effectively demoting Pluto to the status of a "dwarf planet," a celestial body that is spherical and orbits the sun but is not large enough to disturb other objects from its orbit.
Synonyms
Examples of planet in a Sentence
our collective responsibility to conserve the planet and its natural resources for future generations
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.
It is found in soil, air, food and water sources across the planet, although in different amounts depending on the place, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. —
Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024 The move underscores a growing recognition of the unique stewardship role Indigenous communities play in protecting the _planet_’s natural resources. —David Carlin, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 In the new space race, three Chinese astronauts returned to Earth today after a six-month stay on the Tiangong space station, part of China’s effort to be a global leader in exploration beyond this planet. —Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024 Earlier this year, Musk estimated that there would soon be two, three, or four bots for every human on the planet. —Jill Lepore, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for planet 
Word History
Etymology
Middle English planete, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin planeta, modification of Greek planēt-, planēs, literally, wanderer, from planasthai to wander — more at floor
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of planet was in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near planet
Cite this Entry
“Planet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/planet. Accessed 9 Nov. 2024.
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Last Updated: 7 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences
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