suborbital

adjective

sub·​or·​bit·​al ˌsəb-ˈȯr-bə-tᵊl How to pronounce suborbital (audio)
1
: situated beneath the eye or the orbit of the eye
2
: being or involving less than one orbit (as of the earth or moon)
also : intended for suborbital flight

Examples of suborbital in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The company has the ambitious goal to enable a suborbital launch by 2029 but success here will require significant testing and perhaps a few failures. Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025 If the results of the flight pan out, the plan is to work up to a suborbital flight by 2029. David Szondy june 21, New Atlas, 21 June 2025 The company will next work toward a suborbital launch, though the program's commercial future is unknown. Andrew Jones, Space.com, 18 June 2025 Still, the company is aiming to achieve a suborbital launch by 2029. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for suborbital

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of suborbital was in 1803

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Cite this Entry

“Suborbital.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suborbital. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

suborbital

adjective
sub·​or·​bit·​al ˌsəb-ˈȯr-bət-ᵊl How to pronounce suborbital (audio)
: situated or occurring beneath the eye or the orbit of the eye
suborbital fat
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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