horizon
noun
ho·ri·zon
hə-ˈrī-zᵊn
1
a
: the line where the earth seems to meet the sky : the apparent junction of earth and sky
sailing toward the horizon
b
: the great circle on the celestial sphere formed by the intersection of the celestial sphere with a plane tangent to the earth's surface at an observer's position see azimuth illustration
c
: range of perception or experience
broaden your horizons
d
: something that might be attained
opening up new horizons in the field of cancer research
2
a
geology
: a natural soil layer deposited at a particular time usually identified by distinctive fossils
b
geology
: any of the reasonably distinct layers of soil or its underlying material in a vertical section of land
c
anthropology
: a cultural area or level of development indicated by separated groups of artifacts
Cite this Entry
“Horizon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/horizon. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.
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