solar system

noun

: the sun together with the group of celestial bodies that are held by its attraction and revolve around it

also : a similar system centered on another star

Examples of solar system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The solar system is estimated to be around 2 light-years wide, giving you an idea of just how far astronomers consider our cosmic backyard to extend. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 15 May 2026

The region out past Neptune is populated by billions of icy, rocky bodies called trans-Neptunian objects (or TNOs) left over from the solar system’s formation. —Phil Plait, Scientific American, 15 May 2026

Happy Valley has grown into a thriving colony with thousands of residents and a base for new missions that will take us even further into the solar system. —Tim Chan, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026

Scientists have only ever observed three such interstellar objects — asteroids and comets that were ejected from other stars and fired into our vicinity — giving us insight into material from other solar systems. —Quanta Magazine, 15 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1704, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for solar system

• cryptosystem
• ecosystem
• intersystem
• multisystem
• photosystem
• subsystem

Kids Definition

solar system

noun

: a star with the group of heavenly bodies that revolve around it

especially : the sun with the planets, moons, asteroids, and comets that orbit it