Ursa Major

noun

Ur·​sa Ma·​jor ˌər-sə-ˈmā-jər 

: a constellation that is the most conspicuous of the northern constellations, is situated near the north pole of the heavens, and contains the stars forming the Big Dipper two of which are in a line indicating the direction of the North Star

called also Great Bear

Examples of Ursa Major in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Manufacturing for Speed, Not Just Efficiency Ursa Major uses additive manufacturing to consolidate some propulsion components, reducing part counts and manufacturing handoffs. — Dennis Mitzner, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Mizar and Alcor In the handle of the pan-shaped Big Dipper (part of Ursa Major) is the pair of stars called Mizar and Alcor. — Gemma Lavender, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Ursa Major says the process allows different motor diameters to move through production simultaneously without retooling, improving manufacturing flexibility. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026

The Big Dipper, though, makes up the rear end and tail of a larger actual constellation called Ursa Major, or Great Bear. — Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 14 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin (genitive Ursae Majoris), literally, greater bear

First Known Use

circa 1627, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Ursa Major

• ager
• gauger
• pager
• stager
• wager
• yager
• teenager

Kids Definition

Ursa Major

noun

Ur·​sa Ma·​jor ˌər-sə-ˈmā-jər 

: the northern group of stars that is the easiest to pick out, is located near the north pole of the heavens, and contains the stars forming the Big Dipper two of which are in a line pointing in the direction of the North Star

called also Great Bear