orb

1 of 2

noun

ˈȯrb 

1

: any of the concentric spheres in old astronomy surrounding the earth and carrying the celestial bodies in their revolutions

2

archaic : something circular : circle, orbit

3

: a spherical body

especially : a spherical celestial object

4

: eye

5

: a sphere surmounted by a cross symbolizing kingly power and justice

orb

2 of 2

verb

orbed; orbing; orbs

transitive verb

1

: to form into a disk or circle

2

archaic : encircle, surround, enclose

intransitive verb

archaic : to move in an orbit

Synonyms

Noun

• ball
• globe
• sphere

Examples of orb in a Sentence

Noun

The moon was a silvery orb.

out of the countless celestial orbs twirling in space, the planet Earth remains the only one we can call home, so perhaps we should take care of it

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The stunts start with acrobats somersaulting on a thin strip of springy tape and the highlight comes when a giant orb is lowered from above and suspended in mid-air. —Caroline Reid, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Bremer mixes antique touches, like a clawfoot tub, with futuristic ones: smack dab in the middle of the living room hangs a fire orb. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2024

Verb

Among other unexplained events, staff have reported doors closing of their own accord, elevators stopping at various floors for no reason, ghostly orbs, and a strange scent of hospital antiseptic. —Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2023

Expect to see the king and queen donning some of the most sacred items in the Crown Jewels collection, from the famous sceptres and orb to their priceless royal crowns. —Harper's BAZAAR, 6 May 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French orbe, borrowed from Latin orbis "disk, circle, sphere, orbit," perhaps a derivative of an Indo-European verbal base *h₃erbh- "turn, be turned over, undergo transfer," whence also Tocharian B yerpe "disk," Hittite harp- "change sides, change allegiance"

Note: See also etymology at orphan entry 1.

Verb

derivative of orb entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1600, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing orb

• orb weaver
• orb web

Kids Definition

orb

noun

ˈȯ(ə)rb

1

: something (as a planet) in the shape of a ball

2

: eye entry 1 sense 1