-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
celestial pole
noun
: either of the two points on the celestial sphere around which the diurnal rotation of the stars appears to take place
Examples of celestial pole in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Starlings orient north from the celestial pole around which the stars turn.
—Jo Marchant, Wired, 1 Sep. 2020
The concept of a celestial pole, that a direct connection between heaven and Earth existed at the North Pole, led to a useful innovation as well.
—David James, Anchorage Daily News, 3 Aug. 2019
The continent stretched toward the celestial pole, after all.
—David James, Anchorage Daily News, 3 Aug. 2019
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'celestial pole.' 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
1848, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near celestial pole
Cite this Entry
“Celestial pole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celestial%20pole. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
celestial pole
noun
: one of two points on the celestial sphere around which the daily rotation of the stars appears to take place
More from Merriam-Webster on celestial pole
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about celestial pole
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share