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
  • Black oval gemstones formed the shape of the letter M, with the tips reaching her hairline before descending to follow the initial curve of her cheekbones.
    — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Round and oval forms—the figures’ long faces, the woman’s brooch, the pattern on the calico, the shape of the man’s ears—create harmony within the scene.
    — Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • On the other hand, the unemployment rate is still low and eggs no longer cost more than $6 a dozen.
    — Rachel Lerman, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Ruscha painted it using ingredients from the kitchen, including egg yolk, soybean paste, beets, and coconut milk.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Marginal illustrations are found in the reproduction of The Antiquities of the Jews, including a portrait of its author, Josephus, and a depiction of two orbs representing the creation of heaven and earth.
    — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The hunter’s moon comes at the end of a several-day period of the orb approaching and passing Saturn.
    — Dharma Niles, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ellipse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ellipse. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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