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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of celestial pole was in 1848

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 21 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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!