planetarium

noun

plan·​e·​tar·​i·​um ˌpla-nə-ˈter-ē-əm How to pronounce planetarium (audio)
plural planetariums or planetaria ˌpla-nə-ˈter-ē-ə How to pronounce planetarium (audio)
1
: a model or representation of the solar system
2
a
: an optical device for projecting various celestial images and effects
b
: a building or room housing such a projector

Examples of planetarium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This team features more stars than a planetarium — Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Mikko Rantanen — but a compelling argument exists that Nichushkin remains the most important. Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2024 Opened in 2017, this 25,000-square-foot facility boasts a state-of-the-art planetarium with an 8K visual system displaying 16 million colors through 3-D capable projectors, as well as a 500,000-gallon aquarium with sharks, sting rays, and much more. Jessica Poitevien, Travel + Leisure, 4 Mar. 2024 Your little dreamer is sure to be mesmerized by the planetarium show, with its surround sound and captivating storytelling. Kathy Buccio, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 For the most accurate location-specific information consult online planetariums like Stellarium and The Sky Live. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 12 Nov. 2023 The Detroit cultural district institution features live stage shows, an IMAX Dome, 4D theater, planetarium, and exhibit space with more than 220 hands-on activities and exhibits, the award says. Amy Huschka, Detroit Free Press, 23 Feb. 2024 With the new digital technology, the museum also can offer two-way international video conferencing, video gaming competitions and a planetarium on the screen. Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 While visitors and residents of Las Vegas have had months to react to the creative and, at times, strange LED light shows illuminated on Sphere’s 580,000-square-foot exterior, the first concerts were meant to prove that the venue could be far more than any planetarium or IMAX theater. Rebecca Heilweil, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Oct. 2023 The new aerospace museum wing is named for Samuel Oschin, the late Los Angeles businessman and philanthropist, whose name is also on the Griffith Observatory planetarium and the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center cancer institute. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of planetarium was in 1860

Dictionary Entries Near planetarium

Cite this Entry

“Planetarium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/planetarium. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

planetarium

noun
plan·​e·​tar·​i·​um ˌplan-ə-ˈter-ē-əm How to pronounce planetarium (audio)
plural planetariums or planetaria -ē-ə How to pronounce planetarium (audio)
1
: a device that projects images of heavenly bodies on a ceiling shaped like a dome
2
: a building or room housing a planetarium

More from Merriam-Webster on planetarium

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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