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

Spanning 42 feet long and more than 14 feet wide, the observatory is designed to explore the outer solar system and beyond – prying into the previously unobservable edge of the universe to study dark energy and search for exoplanets. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

But if Pluto were to keep its planetary status, many of the solar system's dwarf planets would also need to be classified as planets — and there could be hundreds in our solar system. — Brett Tingley, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2026

There are many round, massive, geologically interesting objects in our solar system that, viewed in isolation, look and act somewhat like planets. — Mike Brown, Scientific American, 24 Aug. 2026

Monday marks 20 years since Pluto was considered a full-fledged planet in our solar system. — Denise Chow, NBC news, 23 Aug. 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