sphere

1 of 3

noun

ˈsfir 

1

a(1)

: the apparent surface of the heavens of which half forms the dome of the visible sky

(2)

: any of the concentric and eccentric revolving spherical transparent shells in which according to ancient astronomy stars, sun, planets, and moon are set

b

: a globe depicting such a sphere

broadly : globe sense a

2

a

: a globular body : ball

b

: planet, star

c(1)

: a solid that is bounded by a surface consisting of all points at a given distance from a point constituting its center see Volume Formulas Table

(2)

: the bounding surface of a sphere

3

: natural, normal, or proper place

especially : social order or rank

not in the same sphere as his moneyed friends

4

a

obsolete : orbit

b

: an area or range over or within which someone or something acts, exists, or has influence or significance

the public sphere

spheric

ˈsfir-ik 

ˈsfer-

adjective archaic

sphericity

sfir-ˈi-sə-tē 

noun

sphere

2 of 3

verb

sphered; sphering

transitive verb

1

: to place in a sphere or among the spheres : ensphere

2

: to form into a sphere

-sphere

3 of 3

combining form

ˌsfir

1

: zone, layer or region enveloping or radiating from the earth or another celestial body

ionosphere

magnetosphere

2

: collectivity : totality (as specified by the initial element)

biosphere

blogosphere

Synonyms

Noun

• ball
• globe
• orb

Examples of sphere in a Sentence

Noun

All points on a sphere are the same distance from the center.

Women at that time were confined to the domestic sphere.

They recognize that jobs in the public sphere are valuable.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

After assuring such technology on in-flight entertainment systems, Barco next expanded to hospitals and boardrooms, becoming so prevalent in the latter sphere that the brand itself became Gallic shorthand for conference room tech. —Ben Croll, Variety, 15 May 2024

Deep, almost peanut-buttery black sesame seeds underpin its nuanced layers: a dark custard base shielded under a thin, crackly sugar crust that shatters under the tap of a metal spoon, a sphere of black sesame ice cream sitting on top, a lacy cookie wheel wedged into it. —Eric Kim, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English spere globe, celestial sphere, from Anglo-French espere, from Latin sphaera, from Greek sphaira, literally, ball; perhaps akin to Greek spairein to quiver — more at spurn entry 1

Combining form

extracted from atmosphere

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sphere

• armillary sphere
• celestial sphere
• sphere of influence

Kids Definition

sphere

noun

ˈsfi(ə)r

1

a

: a globe-shaped body : ball, globe

b

: a solid geometric shape whose surface is made up of all the points that are an equal distance from the point that is the shape's center

c

: the surface of a sphere

2

: a field of influence or activity

the public sphere

sphericity

sfir-ˈis-ət-ē

noun