Pluto

noun

Plu·​to ˈplü-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce Pluto (audio)
1
: the Greek god of the underworld compare dis
2
[New Latin] : a dwarf planet occupying an orbit that crosses the orbit of Neptune
Is Pluto a planet?: Usage Guide

In 2006 the International Astronomical Union defined planet in such a way as to exclude Pluto, reclassifying it instead as a dwarf planet. Although discussion of the matter continues, the change has been widely accepted.

Examples of Pluto in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Seeing Pluto conjunct her moon in her chart gave me a deeper understanding of the circumstances of her death. Betsy Vereckey, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2023 As the hungry Moon meets complicated Pluto in your productive 6th house, your effort is probably motivated by a story much bigger than the task itself. Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2023 There are currently five planets in retrograde at the moment (Pluto, Saturn, Neptune, Venus, and Mercury, just FYI) which is chaotic and confusing in and of itself. Elizabeth Gulino, refinery29.com, 25 Aug. 2023 Mars meeting Pluto aligns your actions with rewarding results. USA TODAY, 24 Aug. 2023 Bakish oversees a stellar portfolio of consumer brands that includes flagship streaming services Paramount+ and Pluto TV; the Paramount Pictures film studio; and television networks CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Channel 5 in the U.K., Network 10 in Australia and Telefe in Argentina. Ellise Shafer, Variety, 21 Aug. 2023 Your day to go after a prize is the 25th, when Pluto is in your favor. Katharine Merlin, Town & Country, 16 Aug. 2023 However, as the needy Moon in your 8th House of Shared Resources opposes controlling Pluto in your personal finance sector, splitting expenses with others might become complicated. Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2023 The planets Mars and Pluto also inform your desire to succeed against all odds. Narayana Montúfar, Women's Health, 13 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Pluto.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin Pluton-, Pluto, from Greek Ploutōn

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Pluto was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near Pluto

Cite this Entry

“Pluto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Pluto. Accessed 4 Oct. 2023.

Kids Definition

Pluto

noun
Plu·​to ˈplüt-ō How to pronounce Pluto (audio)
: a large object in the outermost part of the solar system that is often considered one of the planets see note at planet

More from Merriam-Webster on Pluto

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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