ellipse

noun

Definition of ellipsenext
as in oval
a shape that resembles a flattened circle The teacher drew an ellipse on the chalkboard that intended to illustrate the moon's orbit around the Earth.

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of ellipse This resonance dramatically stretches the planet’s orbit, turning it into a long, narrow ellipse. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026 The double-ellipse frame now reveals the full architecture of the caliber DR002SR, while the watch preserves the classical proportions and architecture of the original. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 19 Jan. 2026 Since the moon’s orbit around the Earth is not a perfect circle but rather an ellipse or oval, the moon’s distance from Earth can vary in its orbit, but not all that much. — Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 5 Oct. 2025 The moon’s orbital path around Earth is a slight ellipse, so there’s a near-point (perigee) and a far-point (apogee) every month. — Jamie Carter, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for ellipse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ellipse
  1. oval
  2. egg
  3. orb
Noun
  • Clams have the most symmetrical of shells, which are neatly rounded or oval in shape, with each half approximately equal in size.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Aug. 2026
  • When the rest of the bathroom feels calm, oval and rounded mirror shapes contribute to the overall design in a subtle and pleasant way, according to the pros.
    — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of oval
Noun
  • In a large bowl, combine the eggs, coconut oil, almond butter, vanilla extract, coconut sugar, and maple syrup.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Each client receives a heavy box of goods including fresh produce, frozen food, USDA shelf-stable goods and eggs or dairy products.
    — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of egg
Noun
  • Imagine a 350-foot-tall orb that can be transformed into virtually anything, from a harvest moon rising over the Strip to a giant snow globe to a tank of undulating jellyfish.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The hour and a half following first contact will see the moon sink ever farther into the sun's disk for those in the path of totality, transforming it from a burning orb into a magnificent shining crescent.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of orb

Browse Nearby Words

ell
ellipse
ellipses
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Cite this Entry

“Ellipse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ellipse. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ellipse

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ellipse

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