figure eight

noun

: something resembling the Arabic numeral eight in form or shape: such as
a
: a small knot see knot illustration
b
: an embroidery stitch
c
: a dance pattern
d
: a skater's figure

called also figure-of-eight

Examples of figure eight in a Sentence

The skater traced a figure eight on the ice.
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.
During the burn, Orion’s service module, which provides the spacecraft with power, propulsion and thermal control, will give the capsule a big push to embark on a four-day trip around the moon before completing a figure eight to return to Earth. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026 Like Apollo 13, Artemis II will take advantage of the moon and Earth’s gravity, making a figure eight after whipping around the moon to head home in what’s known as a free-return trajectory requiring little if any fuel. Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026 Do a figure eight at Winterfest Admire the twinkling lights, enjoy festive live shows and hop on select Kings Island rides and attractions. Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Dec. 2025 In 2024, almost 4,000 infants were born with syphilis infections — a figure eight times higher than the 2015 number. Eli Cahan, Rolling Stone, 19 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for figure eight

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of figure eight was in 1748

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Cite this Entry

“Figure eight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/figure%20eight. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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