double star

noun

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Definition of double star

: two stars that appear near each other in the sky:

a : two stars that are in very nearly the same line of sight but belong to separate star systems and may be very far apart

b : binary star

See double star defined for kids

Recent Examples of double star from the Web

Also sold in the auction were Buzz Aldrin's Apollo 11 double star chart flown to the lunar surface ($50,618) and Dave Scott's Apollo 15 lunar roving maps ($49,889).

— lee roop, AL.com, "Wernher von Braun Collier's drawings sold at auction," 20 Apr. 2018
The neutron stars, originally born as massive companions in a double star system, warily circled one another until their dance ended in an explosion a thousand times more energetic than supernovae.

— NBC News, "LIGO Scientists Spy Neutron Star Smash-Up That Blew Bling Into Space," 16 Oct. 2017
Also this week, see Rome from the International Space Station, and take in the gorgeous scenery around a bizarre double star system.

— National Geographic, "Gaze at Supernova Remains and Saturn's Six-Sided Storm," 29 July 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'double star.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.