orbits 1 of 2

Definition of orbitsnext
plural of orbit

orbits

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of orbit

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 orbits
Noun
Canadian and American researchers simulated satellite orbits in low Earth orbit and generated a metric, the CRASH Clock, that measures the number of days before collisions start happening if collision-avoidance maneuvers stop. IEEE Spectrum, 21 Jan. 2026 The plan represents a departure for Europe’s top satellite makers, which have traditionally focused on large, complex spacecraft in high orbits, but the industry has been disrupted by Starlink’s small, relatively cheap, low-orbit machines. Ben Smith, semafor.com, 24 Oct. 2025 If a planet orbits close to its star in an elliptical orbit, then its interior will stretch and squeeze as the gravitational strength of the star changes. Paul Sutter, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
Because the station orbits Earth once every 90 minutes, the crew on board sees 16 sunrises and sunsets every day. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 6 May 2026 The sky is always changing As Earth orbits the sun, stars appear to rise about four minutes earlier each night. Jamie Carter, Space.com, 3 May 2026 Psyche is a nickel-iron core asteroid that orbits the sun beyond Mars anywhere from 235 million to 309 million miles away. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 May 2026 Soaring 20-foot ceilings stretch above a teal velvet sofa custom-made by Rove Concepts that orbits an original Malm copper drum fireplace dating back to the 1970s. Sarah Wood González, Architectural Digest, 30 Apr. 2026 The larger Starlink constellation also orbits at around 500km in altitude, while the US’s GPS system spans 31 operational satellites orbiting at a far more distant 20,000km. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2026 The book orbits around an art scandal that pulls in collectors, curators, philosophers and hangers-on. CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026 Koch described the phenomenon from her experience aboard the International Space Station, which orbits much closer to home than the moon at just about 200 miles (about 320 kilometers) high. Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026 Earth catches chunks Comet from Thatcher’s debris path every year as our planet orbits the sun. Hali Smith march 31, Idaho Statesman, 31 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for orbits
Noun
  • While the Houthis suspended the attacks in fall 2025, container shipping has still been reticent about sending loops through the area full time.
    Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 4 May 2026
  • Stylish yet functional, the pants are designed with front pleats, belt loops, and side flap pockets similar to Oprah’s pair.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • That process moves forward, then circles back, then moves again.
    Felysha Walker May 8, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2026
  • Enjoy a coffee break at The Lookout at Lake Poway before the group circles back.
    Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • Then, looking at the amp rating of your circuits (most laundry appliances require a 15–30 amp circuit).
    Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Over an efficient five tracks, West traverses the sonic styles of her generation — from nu-metal riffs to rage-rap 808s — with dazzling confidence.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 1 May 2026
  • Equipped with advanced LiDAR sensors and 360-degree cameras, the humanoid autonomously traverses the site, capturing high-definition data and feeding it directly into health and safety workflows.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Small differences in timing, composition, and heating may have pushed these neighboring moons down completely different evolutionary paths.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026
  • The paths, sidewalks and streets are also very well maintained.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • The question was about coaching in general, but certainly rings true in the Heat’s case.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Norah feels celebrated and strengthened by its community, an ethos that rings true when Claire speaks about those around her.
    Julie Lin, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Trocchia said eyewear brands Kate Spade, Carrera, Tommy Hilfiger, Boss, Marc Jacobs and David Beckham confirmed the high‐single to double-digit growth trajectories achieved throughout 2025.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
  • After linking the space-junk trajectories to the long-term solar data, the researchers found that increased solar activity boosted atmospheric density around the space junk.
    Julian Dossett, Space.com, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • Food noise stems from the intersection multiple biological systems such as hormones, blood sugar regulation, dopamine pathways and psychological processes.
    Alora Bopray, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and city agencies continue to prioritize unit production over ownership pathways.
    Izabela Engel, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Orbits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/orbits. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on orbits

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster