zodiac

noun

zo·​di·​ac ˈzō-dē-ˌak 

1

a

: an imaginary band in the heavens centered on the ecliptic that encompasses the apparent paths of all the planets and is divided into 12 constellations or signs each taken for astrological purposes to extend 30 degrees of longitude

b

: a figure representing the signs of the zodiac and their symbols

2

: a cyclic course

a zodiac of feasts and fasts

—R. W. Emerson

zodiacal

zō-ˈdī-ə-kəl 

zə-

adjective

Synonyms

• wheel
• cycle
• circle

Examples of zodiac in a Sentence

a political candidate dealing with the never-ending zodiac of rubber-chicken dinners and meet and greets

Recent Examples on the Web

Welcome to your Queer Weekly Horoscope, a bite-sized look at the coming days broken down by your zodiac sign. —Colin Bedell, Them., 28 Oct. 2025

There’s a lot of optimism and spontaneity surrounding this zodiac sign, so even conversations that leave you laughing until your stomach hurts wouldn’t be out of the ordinary. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025

This zodiac sign craves brightness and with notes like lemon, neroli, and iris. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 17 Oct. 2025

Choose from zodiac signs, cutesy foods, initials, and more. —Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 15 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French zodias, zodiac, borrowed from Latin zōdiacus, adjective (in the combinations circulus/orbis zōdiacus "zodiac"), borrowed from Greek zōidiakós "zodiac" (originally modifying kýklos "circle"), from zṓidion "painted or carved figure, sign of the zodiac" (from zôion "animal, figure, image" + -idion, diminutive suffix) + -akos, variant of -ikos -ic entry 1 after a vowel — more at zoo-

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing zodiac

• the zodiac

Rhymes for zodiac

• almanac
• camelback
• cardiac
• carryback
• cluniac
• diamondback
• lumberjack
• maniac
• paperback
• piggyback
• quarterback
• saddleback

Kids Definition

zodiac

noun

zo·​di·​ac ˈzōd-ē-ˌak 

1

: an imaginary belt in the heavens that includes the apparent paths of most of the planets and is divided into 12 star groups or signs

2

: a figure showing the signs of the zodiac

zodiacal

zō-ˈdī-ə-kəl 

adjective

Etymology

Middle English zodiac "zodiac," from Latin zodiacus (same meaning), derived from Greek zōidion "carved or painted figure, sign of the zodiac," from zōion "living being, animal, figure"