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

Scientists want to assess the samples to determine the origins of the asteroid, which may be pieces of the moon sent into orbit by a giant impact, and provide insights into the wider evolution of the solar system. —Andrew Jones, Space.com, 28 May 2025

Carlton Reid Based on 20 years of observations by NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, new research sheds light on one of the solar system’s most mysterious planets. —Ryan Waniata, Wired News, 27 May 2025

But why do Pluto and its fellow dwarf planets not enjoy the same status as the solar system’s eight regular planets? —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 23 May 2025

Asteroids are small, rocky masses left over from the formation of the solar system around 4.6 billion years ago. —Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025

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