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

This happens when the full moon falls at perigee – its closest point to Earth in its orbit. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 29 Jan. 2026

That orbit will be a lopsided one, with a low point, or perigee, of 115 miles and a high point, or apogee, of 1,400—far higher than the 250-mile altitude at which the ISS flies. —Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 29 Jan. 2026

Molniya orbits are inclined 63 degrees relative to the equator and feature a perigee (closest Earth approach) of about 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) and an apogee (most distant point from Earth) of roughly 24,855 miles (40,000 km). —Mike Wall, Space.com, 29 Jan. 2026

The January wolf moon will look larger than typical because the full moon is happening at perigee — the point when the moon is at its closest to Earth, National Geographic said. —Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 30 Dec. 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