variable star

noun

Synonyms of variable starnext
: a star whose brightness changes usually in more or less regular periods

Examples of variable star in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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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 In another imaging campaign, API, assisted by AMIGO, was able to produce detailed images of a black hole jet, the volcanic surface of Jupiter's moon Io, and stellar winds emanating from a distant variable star. Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 5 Nov. 2025 Many of these alerts will be triggered by variable stars, which cyclically change in brightness. IEEE Spectrum, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for variable star

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of variable star was in 1788

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Cite this Entry

“Variable star.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/variable%20star. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

variable star

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

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