constellation

noun

con·​stel·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce constellation (audio)
Synonyms of constellation
1
: the configuration of stars especially at one's birth
2
: any of 88 arbitrary configurations of stars or an area of the celestial sphere covering one of these configurations
the constellation Orion
3
: an assemblage, collection, or group of usually related persons, qualities, or things
… a constellation of … relatives, friends, and hangers-on …—Brendan Gill
a constellation of symptoms
4
: pattern, arrangement
… taking advantage of the shifting constellation of power throughout the known world.—H. D. Lasswell
constellatory
kən-ˈste-lə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce constellation (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of constellation

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Examples of constellation in a Sentence

The constellation Ursa Major contains the stars of the Big Dipper. A large constellation of relatives and friends attended the funeral. The patient presented a constellation of symptoms.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The radiant — the point from which meteors appear to originate — is in the constellation Perseus, but meteors can appear anywhere in the sky. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026 Betelgeuse has a companion star In 2019, astronomers noticed a strange dimming in the light from Betelgeuse, a bright red star in the Orion constellation. — ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026 The Associated Press reported in December that two NATO-nation intelligence services suspect Russia is developing a new anti-satellite weapon to target Musk’s Starlink constellation with destructive orbiting clouds of shrapnel. — Lisa Mascaro, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026 Starship will be key to building and maintaining this constellation, which will require many launches of the brawny, fully reusable rocket. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for constellation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English constellacioun, from Anglo-French constellation, from Late Latin constellation-, constellatio, from Latin com- + stella star — more at star

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Rhymes for constellation

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Browse Nearby Words

constellate
constellation
constellational
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Cite this Entry

“Constellation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constellation. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

constellation

noun
con·​stel·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce constellation (audio)
: any of 88 groups of stars forming patterns
Etymology

Middle English constellacioun "the position of the stars in the sky at the time of a person's birth," from early French constellation (same meaning), from Latin con-, com- "with" and stella "star"

Medical Definition

constellation

noun
con·​stel·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce constellation (audio)
: a set of ideas, conditions, symptoms, or traits that fall into or appear to fall into a pattern: as
a
: a group of stimulus conditions or factors affecting personality and behavior development
the way in which family constellation and handling of punishment influenced this particular boy—S. B. Sarason
b
: a group of behavioral or personality traits

More from Merriam-Webster on constellation

Nglish: Translation of constellation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about constellation

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