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Orbit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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orbit

[ˈɔːbɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

space

The curved path followed by a celestial object around a star, planet, or moon due to the force of gravity.

Synonyms

circle, revolve, rotate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
orbit

Use this word when talking about the curved path that objects in space, like planets and satellites, take around a star or planet.

  • The Earth orbits the Sun once a year.
  • The satellite remains in a stable orbit around the Earth.
revolve

Use this word to describe the action of something turning around a fixed point or axis, especially in scientific contexts.

  • The planets revolve around the sun.
  • The dancer began to revolve gracefully on stage.
circle

This word is suitable for describing a round shape or a path that is roughly circular. It's commonly used in everyday situations.

  • She drew a perfect circle on the paper.
  • The airplane started to circle above the airport.
rotate

This word is best used when referring to something spinning around its own axis. It doesn't imply movement around another object, just around itself.

  • The Earth rotates on its axis every 24 hours.
  • Rotate the knob to the left to open the valve.

Examples of usage

  • The Earth orbits around the Sun once a year.
  • The Moon orbits around the Earth every month.
Context #2 | Verb

space

Move in a curved path around a celestial object.

Synonyms

circle, revolve, rotate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
orbit

Primarily used in astronomical context to describe the path of an object, like a planet or satellite, as it moves around another object due to gravity.

  • The Earth orbits the Sun
  • The satellite was launched into orbit around the Earth
revolve

Often used to describe a movement where an object turns around another object or a similar central point, more formal and less specific to astronomical contexts than 'orbit'.

  • The planets revolve around the Sun
  • The story revolves around the hero's journey
circle

Describes the action of moving around something in a circular path, can be used in various contexts including navigation, physical movement, and abstract ideas. It can also refer to a round shape.

  • The airplane circled the airport before landing
  • Draw a circle on the paper
rotate

Used when describing an object's spinning on its axis or a similar central point, often refers to mechanical or physical actions.

  • The Earth rotates on its axis once every 24 hours
  • Rotate the handle to open the door

Examples of usage

  • The satellite orbits the planet at a high speed.
  • The astronaut will orbit the Earth in the space station.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'orbit'

The word 'orbit' originated from the Latin word 'orbita', meaning 'wheel track' or 'rut'. It was first used in the astronomical context in the 17th century by Johannes Kepler. The concept of an orbit was crucial in the development of the heliocentric model of the solar system by Copernicus and Kepler.

See also: exorbitant, orbital, orbitally, orbiter.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,841 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.