Orbit: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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