planetary

adjective

plan·​e·​tary ˈpla-nə-ˌter-ē 

1

a

: of, relating to, being, or resembling a planet

b

: erratic, wandering

c

: having a motion like that of a planet

planetary electrons

d

: immense

the scope of this project has reached planetary proportions

2

a

: of, relating to, or belonging to the earth : terrestrial

b

: global, worldwide

planetary politics

3

: having or consisting of an epicyclic train of gear wheels

Synonyms of planetary

• vast
• giant
• huge
• gigantic
• astronomical
• tremendous
• enormous
• massive
• colossal
• mammoth
• monumental
• bumper
• immense
• cosmic
• galactic
• titanic
• mountainous
• oceanic
• monster
• grand
• monstrous

Examples of planetary in a Sentence

a positively planetary new shopping development

Recent Examples on the Web

Landslides are important processes in shaping planetary surfaces, enabling the transport of material across great distances. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 16 July 2026

This eCVT uses a planetary gear arrangement that sends power from the engine to one electric motor to charge the RAV4’s lithium-ion traction battery. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026

Firstly, the planetary backspin is in Cancer, a zodiac sign that is begrudgingly stepping out of its comfort zone, forcing us all out of our safety nets. — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 15 July 2026

Identified by French astrologer André Barbault — whose work examined how slow-moving planetary cycles correspond with larger historical developments — the celestial pattern pinpoints a period of intense collective change. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing planetary

• planetary nebula
• planetary science

Rhymes for planetary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• apiary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• bacillary
• beriberi
• bestiary
• breviary
• budgetary

Kids Definition

planetary

adjective

plan·​e·​tary ˈplan-ə-ˌter-ē 

1

a

: of or relating to a planet

b

: having a motion like that of a planet

planetary electrons of the atomic nucleus

2

: worldwide, global

a matter of planetary concern