dark matter

noun

: nonluminous matter not yet directly detected by astronomers that is hypothesized to exist to account for various observed gravitational effects

Examples of dark matter in a Sentence

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.
Apart from mapping the pre-star universe, CosmoCube will also investigate how mysterious dark matter functioned in the early cosmos. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Aug. 2026 By tracing that history, researchers can then learn how the galaxy’s mass is distributed, including the unseen dark matter that shapes its gravitational field. — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026 The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is designed to help astronomers answer questions about dark energy and dark matter, such as how the universe’s expansion has changed over billions of years. — Elijah Tan, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026 Understanding the dynamics of as many galaxies as possible will help scientists decode the intricacies of dark matter and dark energy. — Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dark matter

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dark matter was in 1933

Rhymes for dark matter

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Browse Nearby Words

darkly
dark matter
dark meat
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Cite this Entry

“Dark matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dark%20matter. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dark matter

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dark matter

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