exoplanet

noun

exo·​plan·​et ˈek-sō-ˌpla-nət How to pronounce exoplanet (audio)
ˌek-sō-ˈpla-
: a planet orbiting a star that is not our sun

Examples of exoplanet 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.
Its survey will produce huge amounts of data and could solve several cosmic mysteries, with potential achievements ranging from understanding dark energy to detecting exoplanets—and finding some things astronomers don’t even know about yet. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2026 Astronomers are very excited about Roman, for it's expected to discover thousands of new exoplanets and shed light on mysterious dark energy and dark matter, among other accomplishments. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 31 Aug. 2026 This wide multi-band 300-megapixel near-infrared camera will allow scientists to look far back in cosmic history and survey exoplanets. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 Roman will also detect exoplanets using the tried-and-true transit method, but scientists expect the new telescope to find a lot more than past space missions have, thanks to its wider vision. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exoplanet

Word History

First Known Use

1992, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exoplanet was in 1992

Rhymes for exoplanet

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Browse Nearby Words

exophthalmos
exoplanet
exoplasm
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exoplanet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exoplanet. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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