azimuth

noun

az·​i·​muth ˈaz-məth 

ˈa-zə-

1

: an arc of the horizon measured between a fixed point (such as true north) and the vertical circle passing through the center of an object usually in astronomy and navigation clockwise from the north point through 360 degrees

2

: horizontal direction expressed as the angular distance between the direction of a fixed point (such as the observer's heading) and the direction of the object

azimuthal

ˌa-zə-ˈmə-thəl 

adjective

azimuthally

ˌa-zə-ˈmə-thə-lē 

adverb

Illustration of azimuth

• 1 horizon
• 2 zenith
• 3 star
• 4 meridian
• 5 vertical circle
• 6 azimuth
• 7 observer

Examples of azimuth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are two mount types — alt-azimuth and equatorial — each of which moves differently and has its own learning curve. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Swiftly setting up launch sites allows military planners to confuse potential enemies, exploit unpredictable launch azimuths and trajectories for defense, complicate hostile tracking, and gain access to polar or high-inclination orbits. — David Szondy august 15, New Atlas, 15 Aug. 2026

The azimuth changes minute by minute, varying by as much as 9 degrees during Wednesday’s two-hour window. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 1 Apr. 2026

The company says the longer, hybrid tonearm supports full adjustability for both azimuth and vertical tracking angle (VTA) and reduces distortion, especially on inner grooves. — Brad Moon, Forbes.com, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin azimut, from Arabic al-sumūt the azimuth, plural of al-samt the way

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

azimuth

noun

az·​i·​muth ˈaz-(ə-)məth 

: horizontal direction of an object from a fixed point expressed as an angle