Pluto

noun

Plu·​to ˈplü-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce Pluto (audio)
1
: the Greek god of the underworld compare dis
2
[New Latin] : a dwarf planet occupying an orbit that crosses the orbit of Neptune
Is Pluto a planet?: Usage Guide

In 2006 the International Astronomical Union defined planet in such a way as to exclude Pluto, reclassifying it instead as a dwarf planet. Although discussion of the matter continues, the change has been widely accepted.

Examples of Pluto in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The first Monster Jam FAST channel is now live on free streaming television service Pluto TV across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., France, Spain, Italy and the Nordics with planned launches in Latin America and Brazil later this year. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Apr. 2024 The cinematic clip features Young Metro and Pluto draped in white suits while walking around a dark room. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 4 Apr. 2024 The cute camper comes with Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto figures, plus a fun camping setup with sleeping bags, a cooking set, s’mores roasting supplies, and a little campfire. Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 4 Apr. 2024 The only thing is, Pluto technically isn't a planet. Li Cohen, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2024 During his morning program, astronomer Sir Patrick Moore told the audience that at 9:47 a.m., Pluto and Jupiter would align and reduce Earth’s gravitational pull. Julia Daye, Miami Herald, 29 Mar. 2024 In addition to the main show, CBS and Pluto TV will partner to present The Tony Awards: Act One, a pre-show leading into the Tonys where the first round of trophies will be handed out. Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 27 Mar. 2024 After passing in the state senate, a new bill that would officially designate Pluto as Arizona's state planet is now at the will of Gov. Katie Hobbs. Brenna Gauchat, The Arizona Republic, 26 Mar. 2024 Direct-to-Consumer Paramount+ Pluto TV BET+ A buyer may opt to bid for not just the TV media assets but also the DTC business: Paramount+ (now with Showtime), Pluto TV and BET+. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 22 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Pluto.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin Pluton-, Pluto, from Greek Ploutōn

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Pluto was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near Pluto

Cite this Entry

“Pluto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Pluto. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Pluto

noun
Plu·​to ˈplüt-ō How to pronounce Pluto (audio)
: a large object in the outermost part of the solar system that is often considered one of the planets see note at planet

More from Merriam-Webster on Pluto

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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