Boötes

noun

Bo·​ö·​tes bō-ˈō-tēz How to pronounce Boötes (audio)
: a northern constellation containing the bright star Arcturus

Examples of Boötes in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Up to 25 shooting stars could be visible streaking through the night sky from the constellation Bootes under ideal dark sky conditions, according to the American Meteor Society. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 9 Dec. 2025 Arcturus is the brightest star in the entire evening sky in October and the brightest in the constellation Bootes the Herdsman, which looks much more like a giant kite with Arcturus lighting up the tail. Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 28 Sep. 2025 The shower’s radiant point, located in the constellation Bootes, will be visible high in the western sky after sunset and into the pre-dawn hours. June 29: Moon covers Mars Head out for sunset on June 29 to watch the crescent moon temporarily cover Mars. Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin (genitive Boötis), from Greek Boōtēs, literally, plowman, from bous head of cattle — more at cow

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Boötes was in 1656

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Cite this Entry

“Boötes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Bo%C3%B6tes. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

Boötes

noun
Bo·​ö·​tes bō-ˈōt-ēz How to pronounce Boötes (audio)
: a northern group of stars including the bright star Arcturus
Etymology

Greek Boōtēs, literally, "plowman"

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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