Ursa Major

noun

Ur·​sa Ma·​jor ˌər-sə-ˈmā-jər 

: a constellation that is the most conspicuous of the northern constellations, is situated near the north pole of the heavens, and contains the stars forming the Big Dipper two of which are in a line indicating the direction of the North Star

called also Great Bear

Examples of Ursa Major in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Starbursts and sparkles Instead of pointing to Ursa Major, why not have the stars at your fingertips (or at least near them)? —Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure, 7 July 2025

In our review, the X-H2 handled astrophotography well and captured a wide range of targets, including Ursa Major, Jupiter and the Orion Nebula. —Harry Bennett, Space.com, 3 July 2025

In this case Ursa Major, the Great Bear — is its family name. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 9 June 2025

Probably the most famous is positioned almost directly over our heads this week as darkness falls: the Big Dipper. Origin of the Big Bear Officially, the Dipper is not a full-fledged constellation, but an asterism — just a part of the constellation known as Ursa Major, the Great Bear. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 16 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin (genitive Ursae Majoris), literally, greater bear

First Known Use

circa 1627, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Ursa Major

• ager
• gauger
• pager
• stager
• wager
• yager
• teenager

Kids Definition

Ursa Major

noun

Ur·​sa Ma·​jor ˌər-sə-ˈmā-jər 

: the northern group of stars that is the easiest to pick out, is located near the north pole of the heavens, and contains the stars forming the Big Dipper two of which are in a line pointing in the direction of the North Star

called also Great Bear