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

This entry-level 70mm achromatic refractor features a simple alt-azimuth mount and provides excellent views of not only Jupiter, its distinctive pink cloud bands and its four moons, but also Saturn’s rings and the moon’s craters. —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 27 Nov. 2025

Evolved from the azimuth thruster systems dating back to the mid-20th century and beyond, electric pod drives serve as a flexible, decentralized form of marine propulsion that increases efficiency, improves maneuverability and frees up space in a ship's hull. —New Atlas, 12 Nov. 2025

Funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), the new Polarstern will be equipped with two 160 PULL ARC LM azimuth propulsion systems, commonly known as rotating propeller nacelles. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2025

The images and damage were then cross-referenced to earlier satellite images taken from the same look angle and azimuth for confirmation. —Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025

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