comet

noun

com·​et ˈkä-mət 

: a celestial body that appears as a fuzzy head usually surrounding a bright nucleus, that has a usually highly eccentric orbit, that consists primarily of ice and dust, and that often develops one or more long tails when near the sun

cometary

ˈkä-mə-ˌter-ē 

adjective

cometic

kə-ˈme-tik 

kä-

adjective

Examples of comet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some of the strongest evidence that points to the existence of a planet within the outskirts of the solar system is the activity within the Kuiper Belt, an unusual clustering of icy bodies -- including comets and dwarf planets -- which stretches from Neptune and outward toward interstellar space. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 2 May 2025

The Search for Prebiotic Molecules The researchers say that prebiotic molecules from space dust and gas may have been carried to Earth by comets and asteroids. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025

The latest observations of the comet suggest the object, made of ancient rock, frozen gases and dust, has disintegrated on its way to a close approach of the sun, which was anticipated to occur on May 1. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2025

In mid-April each year, the Earth runs into the stream of debris from the comet, which causes the meteor shower. —Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English comete, from Old English cometa, from Latin, from Greek komētēs, literally, long-haired, from koman to wear long hair, from komē hair

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for comet

• grommet
• vomit
• recommit

Kids Definition

comet

noun

com·​et ˈkäm-ət 

: a bright heavenly body that develops a cloudy tail as it moves closer to the sun in its orbit

Etymology

Old English cometa "comet," from Latin cometa (same meaning), from Greek komētēs, literally, "long-haired," derived from komē "hair" — related to coma entry 2