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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Synonyms for orb

Synonyms: Noun

ball, globe, sphere

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

An orb with sawtooth mouth clenches a snake, whose head disappears into a cut-out heart flecked with blossoms and flies. — Leah Ollman, latimes.com, "The disturbing meets the sweet in Alex Anderson's new sculptures at Gavlak," 4 July 2018 And so perhaps everyone can become pearls like Ferdinand’s father, embedding their souls in an immortal orb. — Josephine Livingstone, The New Republic, "Puzzled by Westworld? Look to Shakespeare.," 26 June 2018 But then, 2010 skeleton gold medalist Jon Montgomery said, the orb-like skeleton helmet was born — created from by a German craftsman in his basement. — Chico Harlan, chicagotribune.com, "An Olympics skeleton helmet, where Game of Thrones meets Dracula," 16 Feb. 2018 Its crispiness adds texture to the orb’s juiciness. — Jim Shahin, charlotteobserver, "The best way to grill a burger keeps it off the grate," 6 July 2018 Females bear striking blue orbs that dangle above their heads like neon fishing rods, bright enough to lure prey up to twice their size into their toothy maws. — Katherine J. Wu, Smithsonian, "Why Bioluminescence Evolved to Be Red Light, and Blue," 26 June 2018 There’s also little colored orbs meant to represent other emotions, just like in the 2015 movie about a little girl who moves to a new city and has to learn to deal with the mixed feelings that result from the big change. — Kara Nesvig, Teen Vogue, "Disney to Launch "Inside Out" Ride," 23 June 2018 Here you are directed along a concrete path, a ribbon of bright white that takes you on a walk overlooking the sea, around the crest of a mountain and to a structure — a swelling, white orb nestled into the landscape. — Mary Louise Schumacher, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "With Kusama Museum and art-filled islands, Japan is a paradise for art nerds," 27 Apr. 2018 As mist rolls across the floor, and a dim orb peeps through the clouds, a lone figure rises, Eve-like, at the back of the stage. — Lawrence Toppman, charlotteobserver, "REVIEW: Don't dawdle at 'Spring Works' intermission or you'll miss some of the heat ... | Charlotte Observer," 26 Apr. 2018

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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