variable star

noun

: a star whose brightness changes usually in more or less regular periods

Examples of variable star in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In May, for example, astronomers suggested that a lunar-mass PBH might have been spotted drifting through the halo of our Milky Way, but follow-up work suggested the sighting was a variable star, not a black hole. — Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026

This variable star is also located 250 light-years from Earth, but is sadly lost from view in the glare of the sun during the summer months. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 29 June 2026

Observations based on nearby cosmic objects like Cepheid variable stars and supernovae suggest a faster expansion rate. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 5 Mar. 2026

Bradley Schaefer, an astronomer at Louisiana State University, focuses on cataclysmic variable stars, objects that vary in brightness over time due to some type of major turmoil. — Liz Kruesi, Quanta Magazine, 2 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for variable star

• conservatoire
• retrobulbar
• abattoir
• alcazar
• autocar
• avatar
• belshazzar
• caviar
• caviare
• cinnabar
• commissar
• condylar

Kids Definition

variable star

noun

: a star whose brightness changes usually in more or less regular periods