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
  • Medium-length shags are great for people with oval face shapes.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Teefey rocked a faux fur jacket and tinted sunglasses with oval frames.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 27 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Days start on level three with a typical hotel breakfast buffet, which includes all manner of pastries, bagels and of course, eggs, and pancake made-to-order stations.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Life cycle Female apple maggot flies lay 300 to 500 eggs over their 30-day life span.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But the poori remains the same, made with whole wheat flour, water and a touch of salt, gently pressed and then fried, ballooning into a gorgeous orb.
    — Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026
  • For the hunters, a massive grey orb with a ramp protruding from it is one clue.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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