orbit

/ˈɔː.bɪt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: orbits · orbited

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The curved path of one object around a point or another body. — An elliptical movement of an object about a celestial object or Lagrange point, especially a periodic elliptical revolution.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

The curved path of one object around a point or another body. — An elliptical movement of an object about a celestial object or Lagrange point, especially a periodic elliptical revolution. — One complete circuit round an orbited body.

Noun

Examples

The Moon's orbit around the Earth takes nearly one month to complete.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To circle or revolve around another object or position.

Verb

Examples

The Earth orbits the Sun.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To circle or revolve around another object or position. — To place an object (e.g. a satellite) into an orbit around a planet.

Verb

Examples

A rocket was used to orbit the satellite.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “orbit” mean?

The curved path of one object around a point or another body. — An elliptical movement of an object about a celestial object or Lagrange point, especially a periodic elliptical revolution.

Is “orbit” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.