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.
But the heavenly body – possibly a dwarf planet à la Pluto – isn't a frequent visitor. Mike Snider, USA Today, 25 May 2025 Star Trek scion Adam Nimoy talks our favorite (dwarf) planet for 'I Heart Pluto' festival Charon: Pluto's dwarf planet partner In 1894, Lowell founded Lowell Observatory in the Arizona territory (Arizona wouldn't become a state until 1912). John Loeffler, Space.com, 18 Feb. 2025 In 2006, the scientific community pulled the rug out from under us and said that Pluto wasn’t a planet (nowadays, it is classified as a dwarf planet). Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 The International Astronomical Union downgraded Pluto's classification to a dwarf planet in 2006, mainly because other objects might cross its orbit. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 2 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Dwarf planet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dwarf%20planet. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

dwarf planet

noun
: a celestial object similar to a planet but too small to clear other objects from its orbit
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