planetarium

play

noun plan·e·tar·i·um \ ˌpla-nə-ˈter-ē-əm \

Definition of planetarium

plural planetariums or planetaria play \ˌpla-nə-ˈter-ē-ə\

1 :a model or representation of the solar system

2 a :an optical device for projecting various celestial images and effects

b :a building or room housing such a projector

See planetarium defined for English-language learners

See planetarium defined for kids

Recent Examples of planetarium from the Web

A planetarium in Salt Lake City sold 90,000 pairs in a week.

— sarah spellings, The Cut, "Eclipse Glasses Are Harder to Get Than the Latest Supreme Drop," 21 Aug. 2017
Pitts, the Franklin Institute’s chief astronomer and planetarium director, will be taking your questions live on Philly.com’s Facebook page at 3 p.m. on Monday.

— emily babay, Philly.com, "Solar eclipse Q&A with Franklin Institute astronomer Derrick Pitts: Coming Monday," 18 Aug. 2017
The museum is closed on Mondays but will offer some planetarium shows on the eclipse and restrooms will be open.

— bruce henderson, charlotteobserver, "Eclipse glasses are sold out in Charlotte. But safe options are still available.," 15 Aug. 2017
Hosted by planetarium director Amy Truksa and storyteller Jim Cogan, focusing on eclipse stories and mythologies from around the world.

— michelle jenkins, idahostatesman, "Made your eclipse plans yet? Here are suggestions, plus more August fun.," 28 July 2017
For those who want to view the eclipse from their own backyard or school, Maurer also is hosting two shows at the planetarium on how to safely do that.

— donna vickroy, Daily Southtown, "Follow the sun at these solar eclipse viewing events," 21 July 2017
The planetarium is located at the Boone Science Building near Jewett Auditorium at the corner of 20th Avenue and Fillmore Street in Caldwell.

— anna webb, idahostatesman, "Make sure your eclipse glasses have the right ISO, plus more tips to keep your eyes safe," 14 July 2017
The district's planetarium/observatory also had its drinking sources at safe drinking levels.

— rafael guerrero, Elgin Courier-News, "High lead levels found in District U46 drinking water," 10 July 2017
The local planetarium continues its weekly Saturday screening series, with a focus on educational programming.

— mike scott, NOLA.com, "Return of 'Jaws' tops this week's movie events listings," 5 July 2017

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

First Known Use of planetarium

1860

PLANETARIUM Defined for English Language Learners

planetarium

play

noun

Definition of planetarium for English Language Learners

: a building or room in which images of stars, planets, etc., are shown on a high, curved ceiling

PLANETARIUM Defined for Kids

planetarium

play

noun plan·e·tar·i·um \ ˌpla-nə-ˈter-ē-əm \

Definition of planetarium for Students

:a building in which there is a device for projecting the images of heavenly bodies on a ceiling shaped like a dome

Learn More about planetarium

See words that rhyme with planetarium Spanish Central: Translation of planetarium Nglish: Translation of planetarium for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about planetarium

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up planetarium? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

planetarium

Definition of planetarium

Recent Examples of planetarium from the Web

First Known Use of planetarium

PLANETARIUM Defined for English Language Learners

planetarium

Definition of planetarium for English Language Learners

PLANETARIUM Defined for Kids

planetarium

Definition of planetarium for Students

Learn More about planetarium

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

broadside

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

10 Uncommon Words for 'Drunkard'

'Meat Sweats': The Cookout's Worst Nightmare

'Diffuse' vs. 'Defuse'

Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

Ask the Editors

Words of the Year: 1066

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Irregardless

Weird Plurals

Word Games

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

SCRABBLE® Sprint

10 Uncommon Words for 'Drunkard'

'Meat Sweats': The Cookout's Worst Nightmare

Trending: Kim Jong Un: Trump a 'Dotard'

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Words of the Year: 1066

planetarium

Definition of planetarium

Explore M-W

Recent Examples of planetarium from the Web

First Known Use of planetarium

PLANETARIUM Defined for English Language Learners

planetarium

Definition of planetarium for English Language Learners

PLANETARIUM Defined for Kids

planetarium

Definition of planetarium for Students

Learn More about planetarium

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

10 Uncommon Words for 'Drunkard'

'Meat Sweats': The Cookout's Worst Nightmare

Trending: Kim Jong Un: Trump a 'Dotard'

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Words of the Year: 1066