Canis Major

noun

Ca·​nis Ma·​jor ˌkā-nəs-ˈmā-jər How to pronounce Canis Major (audio)
ˌka-
: a constellation to the southeast of Orion containing Sirius

Examples of Canis Major in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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There’s Gemini the Twins, Auriga the Chariot Driver, Taurus the Bull, and Canis Major and Minor, the Big and Little Dogs of the winter celestial theater. Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026 Below, closer to the horizon, Sirius — the brightest star in the night sky — will shine in Canis Major, with Orion positioned between Sirius and the moon. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 24 Feb. 2026 Meanwhile, the brilliant stars of the constellations Orion and Canis Major shine in their midwinter glory. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin (genitive Canis Majoris), literally, greater dog

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Canis Major was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Canis Major.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Canis%20Major. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

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