solar system

noun

: the sun together with the group of celestial bodies that are held by its attraction and revolve around it

also : a similar system centered on another star

Examples of solar system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Detecting it in an interstellar visitor allows astronomers to compare 3I/ATLAS directly with comets native to our solar system, offering a rare glimpse into the chemistry of distant planetary systems. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 10 Oct. 2025

Scientists find water signature on enormous interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is the third interstellar object ever detected flying through our solar system – after ‘Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2025

Linking the signal to an interstellar object passing near our solar system could transform understanding of both the signal and the nature of interstellar objects, highlighting the value of vigilant monitoring and interdisciplinary research in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. —Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025

The comet is one of only three interstellar objects ever recorded entering our solar system. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1704, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for solar system

• cryptosystem
• ecosystem
• intersystem
• multisystem
• photosystem
• subsystem

Kids Definition

solar system

noun

: a star with the group of heavenly bodies that revolve around it

especially : the sun with the planets, moons, asteroids, and comets that orbit it