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

The Big Dipper is not a constellation itself, but an asterism which is part of the larger constellation of Ursa Major, the Great Bear. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 15 May 2026

The Spanish investigation also tackles the initial impact that caused the Ursa Major to deviate off course and list, according to the source familiar with the report. —Pau Mosquera, CNN Money, 12 May 2026

To address the challenge, Ursa Major aims to normalize repeated use, which could significantly reduce per-flight costs and increase flight rates. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026

This time of year, the Big Dipper, which serves as the rear end and tail of the constellation Ursa Major or the Big Bear, is hanging nearly upside down in the high north-northeast sky. —Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2026

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