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

—R. W. Emerson

zodiacal

zō-ˈdī-ə-kəl 

zə-

adjective

Synonyms

• circle
• cycle
• merry-go-round
• round
• wheel

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

Read ahead for a deep dive into what the couple’s zodiac signs say about their relationship. —Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024

Handcraft a Chinese zodiac clock, face painting, photo station, performances and more. —Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 18 Feb. 2024

The temples' wooden halls and pagodas feature intricate carvings with Chinese zodiac animals, peonies, and chrysanthemums. —Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024

Niagara Falls April boasts a solar eclipse in your zodiac sign, and the gorgeous region of Niagara Falls is located within the eclipse’s path of totality — meaning this astronomical phenomenon will be fully visible with the naked eye on the afternoon of April 8. —Nina Kahn, Travel + Leisure, 21 Mar. 2024

From personality traits to compatibility, here is everything to know about the Aries zodiac sign. —Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 18 Mar. 2024

For many, this year – the Year of the Dragon according to the Chinese zodiac calendar – marks the return of normal travel for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic began. —Simone McCarthy, CNN, 9 Feb. 2024

The Year of the Dragon is the fifth animal of 12 in the Chinese zodiac calendar. —USA TODAY, 8 Feb. 2024

According to myths, the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac were selected through a race. —Kurt Snibbe, Orange County Register, 8 Feb. 2024

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

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"