main sequence
noun
: the group of stars that on a graph of spectrum versus luminosity forms a band comprising 90 percent of stellar types and that includes stars representative of the stages a normal star passes through during the majority of its lifetime
Examples of main sequence in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Antares is, in reality, a binary star system, made up of a red supergiant star with a white main sequence companion, though the light of the red giant dominates the naked-eye view from Earth.
—
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2025
That eliminates any main sequence stars, leaving a white dwarf as the only likely answer.
—John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2025
Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
Our home star, the sun, is a middle-aged main sequence star.
—Conor Feehly, Discover Magazine, 9 Oct. 2024
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.
Anthony Wood, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2025
That eliminates any main sequence stars, leaving a white dwarf as the only likely answer.
—John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2025
Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
Our home star, the sun, is a middle-aged main sequence star.
—Conor Feehly, Discover Magazine, 9 Oct. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Main sequence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/main%20sequence. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share