planetarium

noun

plan·​e·​tar·​i·​um ˌpla-nə-ˈter-ē-əm How to pronounce planetarium (audio)
plural planetariums or planetaria ˌpla-nə-ˈter-ē-ə How to pronounce planetarium (audio)
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

Examples of planetarium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Those who vacation here can explore the preserve at Bird Island and visit the planetarium. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025 That is followed by a tabletop planetarium featuring images of planets beamed onto moving objects which magically protrude from it. Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Home planetariums are often dome or round-shaped and offer more than just lasers making out to be stars on a wall and they can definitely be used as STEM and learning tools. Alexander Cox, Space.com, 3 Sep. 2025 In 2024 Lowell Observatory expanded with the Astronomy Discovery Center, which has a multistory LED theater called the Lowell Universe Theater, hands-on activities including the Orbits Curiosity Zone and an open sky planetarium. Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for planetarium

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of planetarium was in 1860

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Cite this Entry

“Planetarium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/planetarium. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

planetarium

noun
plan·​e·​tar·​i·​um ˌplan-ə-ˈter-ē-əm How to pronounce planetarium (audio)
plural planetariums or planetaria -ē-ə How to pronounce planetarium (audio)
1
: a device that projects images of heavenly bodies on a ceiling shaped like a dome
2
: a building or room housing a planetarium

More from Merriam-Webster on planetarium

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