zodiac

noun

zo·​di·​ac ˈzō-dē-ˌak 

1

a

: an imaginary band in the heavens centered on the ecliptic that encompasses the apparent paths of all the planets and is divided into 12 constellations or signs each taken for astrological purposes to extend 30 degrees of longitude

b

: a figure representing the signs of the zodiac and their symbols

2

: a cyclic course

… a zodiac of feasts and fasts …

—Ralph Waldo Emerson

zodiacal

zō-ˈdī-ə-kəl 

zə-

adjective

Synonyms of zodiac

• wheel
• cycle
• circle

Examples of zodiac in a Sentence

a political candidate dealing with the never-ending zodiac of rubber-chicken dinners and meet and greets

Recent Examples on the Web

In the meantime, read on for what Mercury in Aquarius means for your zodiac sign. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026

On a personal level, the new moon in January presents varying potential paths for each zodiac sign. —Glorious Hoshiko, Vogue, 19 Jan. 2026

The ‘fire Horse’ And The ‘ring Of Fire’ The Lunar New Year marks the Year of the Fire Horse, a rare combination in the 60-year Chinese zodiac cycle last seen in 1966. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026

Read on for an overview of how 2026’s astrology will shape fashion trends, which signs will lead the style conversation, and tips for elevating your look based on your zodiac sign. —Maressa Brown, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French zodias, zodiac, borrowed from Latin zōdiacus, adjective (in the combinations circulus/orbis zōdiacus "zodiac"), borrowed from Greek zōidiakós "zodiac" (originally modifying kýklos "circle"), from zṓidion "painted or carved figure, sign of the zodiac" (from zôion "animal, figure, image" + -idion, diminutive suffix) + -akos, variant of -ikos -ic entry 1 after a vowel — more at zoo-

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing zodiac

• the zodiac

Rhymes for zodiac

• almanac
• camelback
• cardiac
• carryback
• cluniac
• diamondback
• lumberjack
• maniac
• paperback
• piggyback
• quarterback
• saddleback

Kids Definition

zodiac

noun

zo·​di·​ac ˈzōd-ē-ˌak 

1

: an imaginary belt in the heavens that includes the apparent paths of most of the planets and is divided into 12 star groups or signs

2

: a figure showing the signs of the zodiac

zodiacal

zō-ˈdī-ə-kəl 

adjective

Etymology

Middle English zodiac "zodiac," from Latin zodiacus (same meaning), derived from Greek zōidion "carved or painted figure, sign of the zodiac," from zōion "living being, animal, figure"