perigee

noun

peri·​gee ˈper-ə-(ˌ)jē 

: the point in the orbit of an object (such as a satellite) orbiting the earth that is nearest to the center of the earth

also : the point nearest a planet or a satellite (such as the moon) reached by an object orbiting it compare apogee

perigean

ˌper-ə-ˈjē-ən 

adjective

Examples of perigee in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

During perigee, the moon is about 356,000 kilometers away from Earth, compared to a distance of about 406,000 kilometers at apogee, according to National Geographic. —Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 4 Dec. 2025

Supermoons occur when a full moon coincides with the moon's closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as perigee. —Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 3 Dec. 2025

King tides, which are typically considered some of the highest tides of the year, occur when the moon, earth and sun are aligned — specifically during a perigee, or when the moon is closest to the earth during a new or full moon. —Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Dec. 2025

This month's moon is also a supermoon, appearing slightly larger and brighter than a typical full moon because the moon is near perigee, its closest point to Earth in its orbit. —Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 6 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from New Latin perigeum, from Greek perigeion, from neuter of perigeios near the earth, from peri- + gē earth

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

perigee

noun

peri·​gee ˈper-ə-jē 

: the point nearest a planet (as the earth) or other body (as a moon) reached by an object orbiting it compare apogee