Ursa Major

noun

Ur·​sa Ma·​jor ˌər-sə-ˈmā-jər How to pronounce Ursa Major (audio)
: 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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Time Out!: 5 Great USA Getaways Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes Ursa Major’s 4-in-1 Essential Face Tonic is made with superfood-sounding ingredients, like radish root ferment, rosemary, and willow bark extract. Abigail Wise, Outside Online, 16 Oct. 2024 The constellation hovers just above Ursa Major and Ursa Minor (the Big Dipper and Little Dipper, respectively). Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2024 Although General Dynamics has kept its interest in the solid rocket motor market quiet until now, several defense tech startups, such as Ursa Major Technologies, Anduril, and X-Bow Systems, have announced plans to enter the market. Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 16 Aug. 2024 Our starting point will be very easy to find: the Big Dipper, the rear end and tail of the constellation Ursa Major, the Big Bear. Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 12 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for Ursa Major 

Word History

Etymology

Latin (genitive Ursae Majoris), literally, greater bear

First Known Use

circa 1627, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Ursa Major was circa 1627

Dictionary Entries Near Ursa Major

Cite this Entry

“Ursa Major.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Ursa%20Major. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

Ursa Major

noun
Ur·​sa Ma·​jor ˌər-sə-ˈmā-jər How to pronounce Ursa Major (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on Ursa Major

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