plural satellites
1
a
: an object (such as a moon) that moves around a much larger planet
b
: a machine that is sent into space and that moves around the earth, moon, sun, or a planet
Note: Satellites are used for radio, television, and other types of communication and for studying the objects they move around.
Satellites help meteorologists predict the weather.
Images of the planet are sent by satellite.
—often used before another nounsatellite broadcasting/channels/images/radio/TV
2
: a country, organization, etc., that is controlled by a larger and more powerful country, organization, etc.
Cite this Entry
“Satellite.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/satellite. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
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