spherical

adjective

spher·​i·​cal ˈsfir-i-kəl 

ˈsfer-

1

: having the form of a sphere or of one of its segments

2

: relating to or dealing with a sphere or its properties

spherically

ˈsfir-i-k(ə-)lē 

ˈsfer-

adverb

Did you know?

Something spherical is like a sphere in being round, or more or less round, in three dimensions. Apples and oranges are both spherical, for example, even though they're never perfectly round. A spheroid has a roughly spherical shape; so an asteroid, for instance, is often spheroidal—fairly round, but lumpy.

Synonyms of spherical

• circular
• cylindrical
• curved
• globular
• round

Examples of spherical in a Sentence

the planet Earth is not, in fact, perfectly spherical

Recent Examples on the Web

Whether decked out in clusters of large spherical blossoms or enchanting lacecap flowers, there’s a perfect hydrangea for nearly every yard—whether drenched in sun or cloaked in shade—and every gardener's personality. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025

The sponge is spherical in shape and is covered in tiny hooks that trap prey, the marine researchers said. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 30 Oct. 2025

On the peak above, there was a bizarre spherical structure— an unmanned Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) radar station. —Mike Bezemek, Outside, 29 Oct. 2025

The science behind the glass sphere design The spherical shape is more than a design choice. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spherical

• spherical aberration
• spherical angle
• spherical coordinate
• spherical geometry
• spherical polygon
• spherical triangle
• spherical trigonometry

Rhymes for spherical

• clerical
• anticlerical
• hemispherical
• chimerical
• hysterical
• numerical

Kids Definition

spherical

adjective

spher·​i·​cal ˈsfir-i-kəl 

ˈsfer-

: relating to or having the form of a sphere or part of a sphere

spherically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb