aurora

noun

au·​ro·​ra ə-ˈrȯr-ə 

ȯ-

plural auroras or aurorae ə-ˈrȯr-(ˌ)ē 

ȯ-

1

: dawn

2

capitalized : the Roman goddess of dawn compare eos

3

: a luminous phenomenon that consists of streamers or arches of light appearing in the upper atmosphere of a planet's magnetic polar regions and is caused by the emission of light from atoms excited by electrons accelerated along the planet's magnetic field lines

auroral

ə-ˈrȯr-əl 

ȯ-

adjective

aurorean

ə-ˈrȯr-ē-ən 

ȯ-

adjective

Synonyms

• sunrise
• day
• dawn
• morning
• morn

Examples of aurora in a Sentence

a gorgeous pink aurora aroused us out of our slumber

Recent Examples on the Web

Scientists say studying these oddities could reveal important clues about how Saturn's magnetic bubble exchanges energy with its atmosphere, a process that powers the planet's shimmering auroras. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 25 Sep. 2025

This allows more solar wind particles to stream in, igniting brighter, more widespread auroras. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2025

Thanks to the Russell-McPherron effect — when Earth’s and the sun’s magnetic fields connect most efficiently — geomagnetic storms tend to intensify around this time, producing an uptick in auroras. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025

My aurora-watching bonanza took place at Lane Cove Campground. —Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 20 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin — more at east

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing aurora

• aurora australis
• aurora borealis

Rhymes for aurora

• aurorae
• fedora
• menorah
• minora
• pandora
• pecora
• senora
• signora
• aura
• bora
• cora
• flora

Kids Definition

aurora

noun

au·​ro·​ra ə-ˈrōr-ə 

ȯ-ˈrōr-,

-ˈrȯr-

plural auroras or aurorae -ē 

1

: dawn entry 2 sense 1

2

: aurora borealis

3

: aurora australis

auroral

-əl 

adjective

Geographical Definition

Aurora

geographical name

Au·​ro·​ra ə-ˈrȯr-ə 

ȯ-

1

city in north central Colorado east of Denver population 325,078

2

city west of Chicago in northeastern Illinois population 197,899

3

town north of Toronto in southeastern Ontario, Canada population 53,203