horizon

noun

ho·​ri·​zon hə-ˈrī-zᵊn 

1

a

: the line where the earth seems to meet the sky : the apparent junction of earth and sky

sailing toward the horizon

b

: the great circle on the celestial sphere formed by the intersection of the celestial sphere with a plane tangent to the earth's surface at an observer's position see azimuth illustration

c

: range of perception or experience

broaden your horizons

d

: something that might be attained

opening up new horizons in the field of cancer research

2

a

geology : a natural soil layer deposited at a particular time usually identified by distinctive fossils

b

geology : any of the reasonably distinct layers of soil or its underlying material in a vertical section of land

c

anthropology : a cultural area or level of development indicated by separated groups of artifacts

horizonal

hə-ˈrī-zᵊn-əl 

adjective

Examples of horizon in a Sentence

We sailed toward the horizon.

The sun rose slowly over the eastern horizon.

These discoveries have opened up new horizons in the field of cancer research.

Recent Examples on the Web

Travel should expand our horizons, not shrink our wallets. —Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024

It’s really broadened my horizons, and being able to play with PRS guitars has been such a cool opportunity for that, because it’s opened up my playing and given me a lot of options in terms of tone. —Spin Contributor, SPIN, 3 Dec. 2024

There are a few different recurring themes, like the cramped horizons facing women who want to devote themselves to sport as adults, and, always in the background, the inexorable passage of time. —Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 2 Dec. 2024

The two will tango throughout the evening before setting above the western horizon around midnight. —Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English orizon, from Late Latin horizont-, horizon, from Greek horizont-, horizōn, from present participle of horizein to bound, define, from horos boundary; perhaps akin to Latin urvum curved part of a plow

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing horizon

• A horizon
• artificial horizon
• B horizon
• C horizon
• cloud on the horizon
• event horizon
• gyro horizon
• on the horizon
• the horizon

Kids Definition

horizon

noun

ho·​ri·​zon ˈhə-ˈrīz-ᵊn 

1

: the line where the earth or sea seems to meet the sky

2

: the limit or range of a person's outlook or experience

reading broadens our horizons

3

: a distinct layer of soil or its underlying material in a vertical section of land

horizonal

-ˈrīz-nəl 

-ᵊn-əl

adjective