Definition Definition

orbit - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'orbit' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Orbit [ n.]
- The path described by a heavenly body in its periodical revolution around another body; as, the orbit of Jupiter, of the earth, of the moon.
- An orb or ball.
- The cavity or socket of the skull in which the eye and its appendages are situated.
- The skin which surrounds the eye of a bird.

Meaning of 'orbit' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . orbit [ n]
Meaning (1):
- an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control:
Example in sentence:
  • a piano has a greater range than the human voice;
  • in the political orbit of a world power;
  • outside the reach of the law;
  • the ambit of municipal legislation;
  • the range of a supersonic jet;
  • within the compass of this article;
  • within the scope of an investigation
Meaning (2):
- the (usually elliptical) path described by one celestial body in its revolution about another
Example in sentence:
  • he plotted the orbit of the moon
Meaning (3):
- a particular environment or walk of life
Example in sentence:
  • he's out of my orbit;
  • his social sphere is limited;
  • it was a closed area of employment
4 . orbit [ v]
Meaning (4):
- move in an orbit
Example in sentence:
  • electrons orbit the nucleus;
  • The moon orbits around the Earth;
  • The planets are orbiting the sun