perigee

noun

peri·​gee ˈper-ə-(ˌ)jē 

: the point in the orbit of an object (such as a satellite) orbiting the earth that is nearest to the center of the earth

also : the point nearest a planet or a satellite (such as the moon) reached by an object orbiting it compare apogee

perigean

ˌper-ə-ˈjē-ən 

adjective

Examples of perigee in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At perigee, tidal ranges are increased but at apogee, they are decreased. —Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 8 Aug. 2025

The combination of lunar perigee on July 20th and a new moon on July 24th. —Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025

Today, the satellite is in an elliptical orbit with its perigee roughly at 410 miles (660 kilometers), swinging out to an apogee of approximately 2,375 miles (3,822 kilometers) from Earth, with a 34.25 degree inclination. —Leonard David, Space.com, 4 Apr. 2025

The flip side of this phenomenon is a supermoon, which is when the moon reaches its perigee (its closest approach to Earth) and appears much larger in the sky. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from New Latin perigeum, from Greek perigeion, from neuter of perigeios near the earth, from peri- + gē earth

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

perigee

noun

peri·​gee ˈper-ə-jē 

: the point nearest a planet (as the earth) or other body (as a moon) reached by an object orbiting it compare apogee