solar system

noun

: the sun together with the group of celestial bodies that are held by its attraction and revolve around it
also : a similar system centered on another star

Examples of solar system in a Sentence

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Think of them as time capsules from the solar system's childhood. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026 The impoverished Reds work as slave labor in the mines of Mars, while the super-strong Golds rule the solar system and war on each other. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 In the solar system of the Chicago Blackhawks, Bedard is the sun — the center of everything, the focal point around whom all others revolve, the giver of life, the source of energy and light and hope. — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026 Perseverance reached the milestone distance while traveling along the western rim of of Mars' Jezero Crater, where the rover has been tasked with investigating what scientists believe may be some of the oldest terrain in the solar system. — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for solar system

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1704, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of solar system was circa 1704

Rhymes for solar system

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Browse Nearby Words

solar still
solar system
solar telegraph
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Cite this Entry

“Solar system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solar%20system. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

solar system

noun
: a star with the group of heavenly bodies that revolve around it
especially : the sun with the planets, moons, asteroids, and comets that orbit it

More from Merriam-Webster on solar system

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about solar system

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