binary star

noun

Synonyms of binary starnext
: a system of two stars that revolve around each other under their mutual gravitation

Examples of binary star in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The study has major implications for studying binary star systems as well. — Damien Pine, Scientific American, 21 July 2026 These new findings can help shed light on how massive binary stars evolve, interact and die. — Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 21 July 2026 Granted, this series has moving parts beyond its binary stars. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 18 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for binary star

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of binary star was in 1826

Rhymes for binary star

See All Rhymes for binary star

Browse Nearby Words

binary pulsar
binary star
binary system
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Binary star.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binary%20star. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

binary star

noun
: a system of two stars that revolve around each other under the gravitation of both

More from Merriam-Webster on binary star

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for binary star

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about binary star

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of parochial

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
chain-question-mark
Missing Link Quiz July 2026 Five seconds to figure out the word that fits bot...
See All