dwarf planet

noun

: a celestial body that orbits the sun and has a spherical shape but is not large enough to disturb other objects from its orbit

Examples of dwarf planet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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But new research suggests that billions of years ago, this dwarf planet may have harbored the right ingredients to support simple microbial life. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2025 Three planets have been found around the dwarf planet Proxima Centauri, by far the smallest and dimmest of the stellar threesome. Eric MacK, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025 As for the second astrological transit, the transformational dwarf planet Pluto is squaring the needle Pluto, and also making a square. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 3 July 2025 It was renamed a dwarf planet in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union because of its size and that other planets may cross its orbit. Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for dwarf planet

Word History

First Known Use

1993, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dwarf planet was in 1993

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Cite this Entry

“Dwarf planet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dwarf%20planet. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

dwarf planet

noun
: a celestial object similar to a planet but too small to clear other objects from its orbit
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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