1
: of, derived from, relating to, or caused by the sun
2
: measured by the earth's course in relation to the sun
a solar year
also : relating to or reckoned by solar time
3
a
: produced or operated by the action of the sun's light or heat
solar energy
b
: utilizing the sun's rays especially to produce heat or electricity
a solar house
also : of or relating to such utilization
solar design

Examples of solar 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.
To Wright, one of the most important questions remains whether generating solar power should be considered a subsidy at all. Velvet Wu july 27, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026 These contracts are underpinned by renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 Construction has already started on Big Rooter West, a 491 MWdc solar facility scheduled to begin operations in August 2028. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for solar

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin solaris, from sol sun; akin to Old English & Old Norse sōl sun, Lithuanian saulė, Greek hēlios

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of solar was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Solar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solar. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

solar

adjective
1
: of, derived from, relating to, or caused by the sun
2
: measured by the earth's course in relation to the sun
solar time
solar year
3
a
: produced or operated by the action of the sun's light or heat
solar energy
b
: using the sun's rays especially to produce heat or electricity
a solar house
Etymology

Middle English solar "derived from or related to the sun," from Latin solaris (same meaning), from sol "sun" — related to sunday see Word History at sunday

More from Merriam-Webster on solar

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster