dwarf planet

noun

: a celestial body that orbits the sun and has a spherical shape but is not large enough to disturb other objects from its orbit

Examples of dwarf planet 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.
This means Pluto is not considered a major planet like Mercury or Earth but instead a dwarf planet. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 30 Jan. 2025 Although Pluto has since been demoted to dwarf planet, Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a law this year recognizing Pluto as the state planet of Arizona. Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 23 July 2024 Bright deposits on the dwarf planet Ceres, the largest body in the asteroid belt, contain sodium carbonate. Ars Technica, 30 Jan. 2025 The largest object in the asteroid belt, the dwarf planet Ceres, is an icy body that measures 592 miles across. Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for dwarf planet 

Word History

First Known Use

1993, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dwarf planet was in 1993

Dictionary Entries Near dwarf planet

Cite this Entry

“Dwarf planet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dwarf%20planet. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

dwarf planet

noun
: a celestial object similar to a planet but too small to clear other objects from its orbit
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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