planetary

adjective

plan·​e·​tary ˈpla-nə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce planetary (audio)
Synonyms of planetarynext
1
a
: of, relating to, being, or resembling a planet
b
: erratic, wandering
c
: having a motion like that of a planet
planetary electrons
d
: immense
the scope of this project has reached planetary proportions
2
a
: of, relating to, or belonging to the earth : terrestrial
b
: global, worldwide
planetary politics
3
: having or consisting of an epicyclic train of gear wheels

Synonyms of planetary

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Examples of planetary in a Sentence

a positively planetary new shopping development
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 solar eclipse in Leo, for instance, could bring travel, publishing or legal developments your way, while Mercury’s conjunction with your lucky planetary ruler, Jupiter, amplifies your voice through teaching, media or a wider platform. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026 The asteroid, which takes its name from the Egyptian deity of chaos, will be seen and heard, but the only impacts will be on science and planetary defense. — Andrew Jones, Scientific American, 30 July 2026 There will also be a planetary parade made up of six planets, according to Star Walk. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 30 July 2026 Since then, the search for signs of life on Mars and other planetary bodies has become a major part of NASA’s mission. — Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for planetary

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of planetary was in 1607

Phrases Containing planetary

Rhymes for planetary

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Browse Nearby Words

planetarium
planetary
planetary configuration
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Cite this Entry

“Planetary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/planetary. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

planetary

adjective
plan·​e·​tary ˈplan-ə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce planetary (audio)
1
a
: of or relating to a planet
b
: having a motion like that of a planet
planetary electrons of the atomic nucleus
2
: worldwide, global
a matter of planetary concern

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