Pluto

noun

Plu·​to ˈplü-(ˌ)tō 

1

: the Greek god of the underworld compare dis

2

[New Latin] : a dwarf planet occupying an orbit that crosses the orbit of Neptune

Is Pluto a planet?: Usage Guide

In 2006 the International Astronomical Union defined planet in such a way as to exclude Pluto, reclassifying it instead as a dwarf planet. Although discussion of the matter continues, the change has been widely accepted.

Examples of Pluto in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Syrah Scorpios are the water sign co-ruled by Pluto, the planet of transformation, and Mars, the planet of action and energy. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Nov. 2023

Like other icy worlds of the outer solar system, such as Europa or possibly Pluto, Ganymede probably has an ocean lurking under its icy crust. —Popular Science, 8 Nov. 2023

The 2023 EMAs would usually broadcast on MTV in over 150 countries in addition to streaming online via Pluto TV and Paramount+. —Carita Rizzo, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2023

Featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck in Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland Park, the Boeing 737-800 also includes Chip ‘n’ Dale on the boarding doors and winglets. —Nicholas Rice, Peoplemag, 4 Nov. 2023

The company’s leadership also believes that 2022 marked the peak investment year for its streaming ambitions — powered by Paramount+ and Pluto TV — and that this year losses will be overall lower than last year, an encouraging sign. —Erik Hayden, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Nov. 2023

Familiar faces The passengers on SpaceShipTwo Thursday included Alan Stern, a planetary scientist perhaps most famous for leading NASA's New Horizons mission, which completed the first robotic exploration of Pluto in 2015. —Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 3 Nov. 2023

Some scientists even argue that Pluto has a subsurface ocean. —Quanta Magazine, 2 Nov. 2023

In 2016 astronomers proposed Planet Nine’s existence as a way of explaining a strange sort of clustering observed in several small bodies found in and beyond the Kuiper Belt, a distant region of the solar system containing Pluto and many other objects. —Nola Taylor Tillman, Scientific American, 25 Oct. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Latin Pluton-, Pluto, from Greek Ploutōn

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

Pluto

noun

Plu·​to ˈplüt-ō 

: a large object in the outermost part of the solar system that is often considered one of the planets see note at planet