suborbital

adjective

sub·​or·​bit·​al ˌsəb-ˈȯr-bə-tᵊl 

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

This will support the next phase of development of the Canadian company's hybrid propulsion system, of which an initial suborbital demonstration flight is planned for this winter. —Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 5 Sep. 2025

After reaching space on a suborbital trajectory, Starship deployed a series of Starlink simulators, which SpaceX said are similar in size to the next generation of the device, and was the first time the company has deployed a payload. —Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2025

The suborbital research rockets, known as sounding rockets, will launch from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Virginia. —Denise Chow, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2025

The rocket's upper stage, or section, will go on a suborbital flight that will involve an attempt to deploy simulated satellites. —Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 24 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for suborbital

• infraorbital
• postorbital
• interorbital
• periorbital
• supraorbital
• orbital

Medical Definition

suborbital

adjective

sub·​or·​bit·​al ˌsəb-ˈȯr-bət-ᵊl 

: situated or occurring beneath the eye or the orbit of the eye

suborbital fat