solstice

noun

sol·​stice ˈsäl-stəs 

ˈsōl-,

ˈsȯl-

1

: either of the two points on the ecliptic at which its distance from the celestial equator is greatest and which is reached by the sun each year about June 21 and December 21

2

: the time of the sun's passing a solstice which occurs about June 21 to begin summer in the northern hemisphere and about December 21 to begin winter in the northern hemisphere

Did you know?

In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice usually occurs on June 20 or 21 and the winter solstice on December 21 or 22. In the Southern Hemisphere, where the seasons are reversed, the solstices are exactly the opposite. For several days around the time of the solstices, the sun's appearance on the horizon at sunrise and sunset seems to occur at the same spot, before it starts drifting to the north or south again. Solstice gets its shine from sol, the Latin word for "sun." The ancients added sol to -stit- (a participial stem of sistere, which means "to stand still") and came up with solstitium. Middle English speakers shortened solstitium to solstice in the 14th century.

Examples of solstice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Midnight sun cruises typically run in the few weeks either side of summer solstice, so from early June through mid-July. —David Nikel, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025

The minimalist circle of pillars aligns with the sun’s position on solstices and equinoxes. —Olivia Rose, AZCentral.com, 26 July 2025

At New York's latitude, the more nearly direct rays at the summer solstice of June 20 bring about three times as much heat as the more slanting rays at the winter solstice on Dec. 21. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 3 July 2025

On the flip side, 2025's winter solstice — the shortest day of the year — is Sunday, Dec. 21. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin solstitium, from sol sun + -stit-, -stes standing; akin to Latin stare to stand — more at solar, stand

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

solstice

noun

sol·​stice ˈsäl-stəs 

ˈsōl-,

ˈsȯl-

1

: the point in the apparent path of the sun at which the sun is farthest north or south of the equator

2

: the time of the sun's passing a solstice which occurs on June 22nd and on December 22nd