Definition of sphere
(Entry 1 of 3)
1a(1)
: the apparent surface of the heavens of which half forms the dome of the visible sky
(2)
: any of the concentric and eccentric revolving spherical transparent shells in which according to ancient astronomy stars, sun, planets, and moon are set
2a
: a globular body : ball
c(1)
: a solid that is bounded by a surface consisting of all points at a given distance from a point constituting its center — see Volume Formulas Table
(2)
: the bounding surface of a sphere
3
: natural, normal, or proper place
especially
: social order or rank
not in the same sphere as his moneyed friends
b
: an area or range over or within which someone or something acts, exists, or has influence or significance
the public sphere
sphere
verb
sphered; sphering
Definition of sphere (Entry 2 of 3)
-sphere
combining form
\ ˌsfir \
Definition of -sphere (Entry 3 of 3)
1
: zone, layer or region enveloping or radiating from the earth or another celestial body
ionosphere magnetosphere
2
: collectivity : totality (as specified by the initial element)
biosphere blogosphere
Test Your Vocabulary
Which Word Does Not Belong?
-
- Which of these words does not mean "nonsense"?

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share sphere
Time Traveler for sphere
The first known use of sphere was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century