-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
dwarf planet
noun
: a celestial body that orbits the sun and has a spherical shape but is not large enough to disturb other objects from its orbit
Examples of dwarf planet in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For more than 70 years, Pluto was classed as the ninth planet but that changed in 2006, when the International Astronomical Union downgraded its status to that of a dwarf planet.
—Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week Uk, theweek, 19 Apr. 2024
Long believed to be the ninth planet in our solar system, Pluto's planetary status was downgraded to a dwarf planet by the International Astronomical Union in 2006.
—Brenna Gauchat, The Arizona Republic, 26 Mar. 2024
Since its discovery in Flagstaff, Pluto has become Arizona's favorite dwarf planet.
—Brenna Gauchat, The Arizona Republic, 26 Mar. 2024
Like the three moons, this dwarf planet is likely insulated by a sufficiently thick crust that slows the leaking of its radioactive furnace into space.
—WIRED, 24 Dec. 2023
See all Example Sentences for dwarf planet
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dwarf planet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1993, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to dwarf planet
Dictionary Entries Near dwarf planet
Cite this Entry
“Dwarf planet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dwarf%20planet. Accessed 18 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
dwarf planet
noun
: a celestial object similar to a planet but too small to clear other objects from its orbit
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share