solar

adjective

so·​lar ˈsō-lər How to pronounce solar (audio)
-ˌlär
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
While our research has focused on the battery industry, this concern extends to investments in wind and solar power, too. James Morton Turner, Discover Magazine, 9 Nov. 2024 California should continue to focus on renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024 For instance, governments might issue green bonds to finance a solar power plant or companies might use them to upgrade to energy-efficient infrastructure. Christer Holloman, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Another contentious issue involves monthly charges of around $2 to $3 a month imposed on customers who have installed their own systems to generate solar power. Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near solar

Cite this Entry

“Solar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solar. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

solar

adjective
so·​lar ˈsō-lər How to pronounce solar (audio)
-ˌlär
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

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