planetary nebula

noun

: a usually compact luminous ring-shaped nebula that is composed of matter which has been ejected from a hot star at its center

Examples of planetary nebula 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.
Normally, astronomers can only identify about 100 planetary nebulas in galaxies that lie outside of Earth’s neighborhood. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 June 2025 The snapshot above showcases NGC 1514, a planetary nebula that resides roughly 1,500 light-years from Earth in the constellation Taurus. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 15 Apr. 2025 Today's photo concerns the planetary nebula NGC 1514. Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 15 Apr. 2025 This small planetary nebula, like others like it, was formed by gases in the outer layers of a dying star. Miguel Claro, Space.com, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for planetary nebula

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of planetary nebula was in 1785

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Planetary nebula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/planetary%20nebula. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on planetary nebula

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!