orbiter

noun

or·​bit·​er ˈȯr-bə-tər How to pronounce orbiter (audio)
: one that orbits: such as
a
: a spacecraft designed to orbit a celestial body without landing on its surface
b
: space shuttle

Examples of orbiter 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.
Japan and Europe launched orbiters to Venus in 2005 and 2010 with instruments tuned to study the planet’s atmosphere. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026 The project is an ambitious follow-up to the UAE Space Agency's Hope Mars orbiter, which has been studying the Red Planet since 2021. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 12 Oct. 2026 To confirm the discovery, the team turned to sharp, close-up images captured by the orbiter’s Narrow-Angle Camera, which also enabled researchers to measure the crater’s shape, size and impact to the surrounding terrain. — CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026 The agency had intended to name the OV-101 orbiter Constitution. — David Chiu, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for orbiter

Word History

Etymology

orbit entry 2 + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of orbiter was in 1951

Browse Nearby Words

orbitelous spider
orbiter
orbitoid
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Orbiter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orbiter. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

orbiter

noun
or·​bit·​er ˈȯr-bət-ər How to pronounce orbiter (audio)
1
: one that orbits
2
: space shuttle
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