Definition of zenith
1 : the point of the celestial sphere that is directly opposite the nadir and vertically above the observer — see azimuth illustration
2 : the highest point reached in the heavens by a celestial body
3 : culminating point : acme at the zenith of his powers — John Buchan
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
zenith was our Word of the Day on 04/03/2016. Hear the podcast!
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
Examples of zenith in a sentence
at the zenith of her career as a dancer
Did You Know?
When you reach the zenith, you're at the top, the pinnacle, the summit, the peak. Zenith developed from Arabic terms meaning "the way over one's head," and then traveled through Old Spanish, Medieval Latin, and Middle French before arriving in English. As long ago as the 1300s, English speakers used zenith to name the highest point in the celestial heavens, directly overhead. By the 1600s, zenith was being used for other high points as well. The celestial term is often contrasted with nadir, or the point that is vertically downward from the observer (imagine a line going through the earth from the observer's feet and out the other side into the sky). Figuratively, nadir simply means "the lowest point."
Origin and Etymology of zenith
Middle English cenyth, senyth, from Middle French cenit, from Medieval Latin, from Old Spanish zenit, modification of Arabic samt (al-ra's) way (over one's head)
First Known Use: 14th century
ZENITH Defined for English Language Learners
zenith
playDefinition of zenith for English Language Learners
-
: the strongest or most successful period of time
-
: the highest point reached in the sky by the sun, moon, etc.
ZENITH Defined for Kids
zenith
playDefinition of zenith for Students
1 : the point in the sky directly overhead
2 : the highest point or stage She was at the zenith of her career.
Learn More about zenith
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for zenith Spanish Central: Translation of zenith Nglish: Translation of zenith for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of zenith for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about zenith
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up zenith? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!