✨📕 The NEWThe NEW Collegiate Dictionary, 12th Edition Over 5,000 words added — Buy Now! Collegiate DictionaryBuy Now!

castor

1 of 3

noun (1)

cas·​tor ˈka-stər How to pronounce castor (audio)
1
2
3
: a beaver hat

castor

2 of 3
cas·​tor

variant spelling of

Castor

3 of 3

noun

Cas·​tor ˈka-stər How to pronounce Castor (audio)
1
: one of the Dioscuri
2
: the more northern of the two bright stars in Gemini

Examples of castor 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.
Noun
The formula lists a castor-oil derivative, which helps spread the ultra-black, waterproof ink smoothly across the lash line—a plus when lids are drier. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 11 Nov. 2025 Made with hydrolyzed pea protein and castor seed oil, the formula can also enhance overall hair health by strengthening, smoothing, and boosting shine and moisture. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
Packed with skin-loving ingredients like mango butter, green tea extract, and castor seed oil, this cream bronzer keeps your skin hydrated all day long without emphasizing texture or sinking into fine lines. Allure, 14 Aug. 2025 Meanwhile, castor seed oil, rambutan extract, and a blend of peptides help to nourish your lashes while coating them with high-impact color. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for castor

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Latin, from Greek kastōr, from Kastōr Castor

Noun

Latin, from Greek Kastōr

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of castor was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Castor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/castor. Accessed 28 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

Castor

noun
Cas·​tor ˈkas-tər How to pronounce Castor (audio)
: the more northern of the two bright stars in Gemini
Etymology

Noun

from Greek Kastōr (name of one of the twin heroes in mythology) see Word History at gemini

More from Merriam-Webster on castor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!