dwarf planet

noun

: a celestial body that orbits the sun and has a spherical shape but is not large enough to disturb other objects from its orbit

Examples of dwarf planet 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.
Pluto's atmosphere appears to be freezing out as the dwarf planet moves ever further away from the sun, according to careful observations of Pluto astronomers made as it was seen passing in front of stars in the sky. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 10 Aug. 2026 In 2015, New Horizons became the first spacecraft to conduct a detailed flyby of Pluto and its moons, which changed scientists’ understanding of the frigid dwarf planet. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 16 July 2026 So its status was downgraded to a dwarf planet. — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 14 May 2026 For years, it's been an accepted tenet of astronomy that, with the exception of Pluto – infamously now classified as a dwarf planet – none of these worlds were likely large enough to sustain an atmosphere. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for dwarf planet

Word History

First Known Use

1993, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dwarf planet was in 1993

Rhymes for dwarf planet

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Browse Nearby Words

dwarf pine
dwarf planet
dwarf plantain
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Cite this Entry

“Dwarf planet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dwarf%20planet. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dwarf planet

noun
: a celestial object similar to a planet but too small to clear other objects from its orbit
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