ellipse

Definition of ellipsenext
as in oval
a shape that resembles a flattened circle The teacher drew an ellipse on the chalkboard that intended to illustrate the moon's orbit around the Earth.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ellipse This resonance dramatically stretches the planet’s orbit, turning it into a long, narrow ellipse. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026 The double-ellipse frame now reveals the full architecture of the caliber DR002SR, while the watch preserves the classical proportions and architecture of the original. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 19 Jan. 2026 Since the moon’s orbit around the Earth is not a perfect circle but rather an ellipse or oval, the moon’s distance from Earth can vary in its orbit, but not all that much. Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 5 Oct. 2025 The moon’s orbital path around Earth is a slight ellipse, so there’s a near-point (perigee) and a far-point (apogee) every month. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for ellipse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ellipse
Noun
  • Each one is an oval organ, smooth and firm, roughly the size of a small egg.
    Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • There's also Meta Glasses by Kylie, a slim oval frame designed in collaboration with model Kylie Jenner that unlocks her voice for AI assistance, for $100 more.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Female Mexican fruit flies lay thousands of eggs in their lifetime.
    Kori McNair, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • Hens start laying between 18 and 22 weeks old and produce four to six eggs a week from productive breeds, with a noticeable dip in winter.
    Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • The items and blueprints for the items can be found in shops, claw machines, the flower basket crafting mission, the box of fortune, and the orb roll challenge.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Another was a shining red orb of a hue the observer had never seen before.
    Collin Binkley, Fortune, 15 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ellipse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ellipse. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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