orb

noun

\ ˈȯrb

Definition of orb

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : any of the concentric spheres in old astronomy surrounding the earth and carrying the celestial bodies in their revolutions

2 archaic : something circular : circle, orbit

3 : a spherical body especially : a spherical celestial object

4 : eye

5 : a sphere surmounted by a cross symbolizing kingly power and justice

orb

verb

orbed; orbing; orbs

Definition of orb (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to form into a disk or circle

2 archaic : encircle, surround, enclose

intransitive verb

archaic : to move in an orbit

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about orb

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Examples of orb in a Sentence

Noun

The moon was a silvery orb. out of the countless celestial orbs twirling in space, the planet Earth remains the only one we can call home, so perhaps we should take care of it

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The lights can look like bluish flames, glowing orbs or quick flashes similar to regular lightning. — Caroline Picard, House Beautiful, "Watch the Mesmerizing "Earthquake Lights" That Lit Up New Zealand's Sky," 14 Nov. 2016 One larger television promises an orb show every couple of hours. — Angela Chen, The Verge, "Weed and luxury in Las Vegas," 15 Nov. 2018 Workstead outfitted the space with its own orb pendants and sconces, which blanket the bar with a warm, glowing light that’s just about perfect for capturing that glass of natural wine on camera. — Liz Stinson, Curbed, "Dazzling wine bar draws inspiration from Art Deco architecture," 20 Aug. 2018 Two crowns and an orb -- one belonging to King Karl IX, the other to Queen Kristina -- were snatched Tuesday morning from the Strangnas Cathedral, a 900-year-old church located about 50 miles from the capital of Stockholm. — Travis Fedschun, Fox News, "Swedish crown jewels stolen from 900-year-old church by speedboat-driving thieves," 1 Aug. 2018 Church steepened the mountain’s profile, as the waves of black clouds threaten to obscure the blazing orb, struggling to begin a new day. — John Wilmerding, WSJ, "Nature’s Explosive Power," 28 Dec. 2018 Fenty Beauty is partaking in the festivities, with its Two Lil Mattemoiselles set and Mini Fairy Bomb glitter puff packaged in chic transparent orbs. — Tess Garcia, Teen Vogue, "Sephora is Selling Beauty Product Holiday Ornaments," 2 Dec. 2018 An array of orbs in complementary colors hangs from the dining room light. — Al Kemp, The Seattle Times, "How I came to grips with a downsized Christmas," 12 Dec. 2018 The depths of space blacken the other half of the orb. — Eric Berger, Ars Technica, "NASA says it’s building a gateway to the Moon—critics say it’s just a gate," 6 Sep. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The pearlescent orbs warm up your face in a way that's more natural thanks to varying shades and a little shimmer. — Hannah Morrill, Marie Claire, "These Are the Exact Products You Need for the Glowiest Skin of Your Life," 30 June 2016

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

History and Etymology for orb

Noun

Middle English, borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French orbe, borrowed from Latin orbis "disk, circle, sphere, orbit," perhaps a derivative of an Indo-European verbal base *h₃erbh- "turn, be turned over, undergo transfer," whence also Tocharian B yerpe "disk," Hittite harp- "change sides, change allegiance"

Note: See also etymology at orphan entry 1.

Verb

derivative of orb entry 1

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