plural eclipses
1
a
: an occasion when the sun looks like it is completely or partially covered with a dark circle because the moon is between the sun and the Earth
a total/partial solar eclipse
an eclipse of the sun
b
: an occasion when the moon looks like it is completely or partially covered with a dark circle because the Earth's shadow is on it
a total/partial lunar eclipse
2
: a loss of power, success, popularity, etc.
the civilization's sudden/eventual eclipse
The popularity of television led to the eclipse of the radio drama.
an author who has fallen/gone into eclipse [=who has become much less popular]
an artist whose reputation/career has long been in eclipse
eclipses; eclipsed; eclipsing
1
: to cause an eclipse of (the sun or moon)
The sun was partially eclipsed by the moon.
2
a
: to make (something) less important or popular
Train travel was eclipsed by the growth of commercial airlines.
b
: to do or be much better than (someone or something)
Her sister's accomplishments always seemed to eclipse [=outshine] her own.
The new runner's time eclipsed [=surpassed] the old record.
Cite this Entry
“Eclipse.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/eclipse. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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