Milky Way

noun

1

: a broad luminous irregular band of light that stretches completely around the celestial sphere and is caused by the light of myriads of faint stars

2

: milky way galaxy

Examples of Milky Way in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Here's everything to know about our Milky Way, including how to see the stunning natural phenomenon. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 2 July 2026

July’s Milky Way Window The most important observing period of July begins after the last-quarter moon on July 7 and continues through the nights around new moon on July 14. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

This nebula, found in our own Milky Way galaxy, is a vast region of gas and dust surrounding a dense concentration of massive stars. — Brett Tingley, Space.com, 1 July 2026

Swap in different varieties of pudding—pistachio, chocolate, or butterscotch; or different types of candy bars—Kit Kat, 3 Musketeers, or Milky Way. — Jessica Saari Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for Milky Way

• aaa
• alleyway
• alumnae
• anime
• anyway
• arete
• attache
• axillae
• baa
• beaujolais
• bouvier
• breakaway

Kids Definition

Milky Way

noun

1

: a broad band of light that stretches across the sky and is caused by the light of a very great number of faint stars

2

: milky way galaxy