Milky Way

noun

1
: a broad luminous irregular band of light that stretches completely around the celestial sphere and is caused by the light of myriads of faint stars
2

Examples of Milky Way 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.
Beyond a visible galactic core, another advantage of taking Milky Way shots in summer is the long warm nights that make long shoots under the stars much more comfortable than a frozen winter night. Harry Bennett, Space.com, 28 Aug. 2025 Skygazers still have a chance to spot Milky Way. Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025 Post-sunset, only the Moon, stars, planets, and Milky Way illuminated the heavens. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 18 Aug. 2025 Otherwise, have a soak in the hot tub or the cowboy tin pool and turn your attention toward the overwhelmingly prominent Milky Way. Jessica Cherner, Architectural Digest, 13 Aug. 2025 Will Milky Way Galaxy be visible above Idaho? Ashley Fredde, Idaho Statesman, 6 Aug. 2025 There are what, hundreds of billions of planets in our Milky Way galaxy alone. Quanta Magazine, 24 July 2025 Schedule your Milky Way pursuits for around five nights before and after a new moon to avoid lunar light. Stephanie Vermillion, Outside Online, 3 July 2025 How to view a vibrant Milky Way Galaxy Stargazers will soon be able to witness a dazzling celestial sight composed of billions of stars. Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

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Cite this Entry

“Milky Way.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Milky%20Way. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

Milky Way

noun
1
: a broad band of light that stretches across the sky and is caused by the light of a very great number of faint stars
2
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