planetary

adjective

plan·​e·​tary ˈpla-nə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce planetary (audio)
Synonyms of planetarynext
1
a
: of, relating to, being, or resembling a planet
b
: erratic, wandering
c
: having a motion like that of a planet
planetary electrons
d
: immense
the scope of this project has reached planetary proportions
2
a
: of, relating to, or belonging to the earth : terrestrial
b
: global, worldwide
planetary politics
3
: having or consisting of an epicyclic train of gear wheels

Synonyms of planetary

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Examples of planetary in a Sentence

a positively planetary new shopping development
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.
Our nearest planetary neighbor circles the sun in an almost perfect path, completing 13 orbits in 8 Earth years. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 5 Sep. 2026 Perhaps this saga of planetary conquest is also a sly commentary on Hollywood imperialism, in which even the most far-flung of small-town tales must be overwhelmed by big-name stars in visual-effects drag. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026 Silicon carbide has become especially important for aircraft engines and planetary exploration systems. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026 Then there are family deities, caste deities, village deities, deities of geographical locations, and planetary deities (navagrahas). — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for planetary

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of planetary was in 1607

Phrases Containing planetary

Rhymes for planetary

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Browse Nearby Words

planetarium
planetary
planetary configuration
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

planetary

adjective
plan·​e·​tary ˈplan-ə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce planetary (audio)
1
a
: of or relating to a planet
b
: having a motion like that of a planet
planetary electrons of the atomic nucleus
2
: worldwide, global
a matter of planetary concern
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