Firmament: meaning, definitions and examples

Use in literary, poetic, or formal contexts to describe the sky or heavens, especially when emphasizing grandeur or vastness.

• The stars shone brightly in the firmament above.
• Poets often write about the mysteries of the firmament.

Use in everyday language to describe the atmosphere above the Earth, particularly in casual, everyday conversations.

• The sky is clear and blue today.
• Look at the beautiful clouds in the sky.

Common in religious contexts or when referring to the spiritual or divine aspects of the sky, often suggesting something sacred or grand.

• They looked up to the heavens and prayed for rain.
• Many myths describe the gods living in the heavens.

Appropriate for scientific or astronomical discussions, referring to an imaginary sphere that surrounds the Earth on which all celestial bodies are projected.

• The positions of the stars on the celestial sphere are mapped by astronomers.
• In ancient times, people believed the planets were fixed on the celestial sphere.

A poetic or literary term for the sky or heavens, often used to evoke grandeur and majesty.

• Stars twinkled in the vast firmament above

A more formal and somewhat archaic term for the sky, evoking a sense of a domed or arched ceiling.

• Birds flew high against the azure vault of the sky

Describes a large, open area or extent, often used when talking about wide areas of sea, land, or sky.

• The sailors gazed out over the endless expanse of the ocean