asterism
noun
as·ter·ism
ˈa-stə-ˌri-zəm 
1
a
: a group of stars that form a pattern in the night sky
On October evenings, when the trees have shed their leaves and stars become visible through the twigs, our best-known asterism, the Big Dipper, passes under the north pole.—
George Lovi
George LoviNote: The term asterism does not now usually refer to a constellation but to a star pattern that makes up part of a constellation or that includes stars from more than one constellation.
b
: a small group of stars
2
: a star-shaped figure exhibited by some crystals by reflected light (as in a star sapphire) or by transmitted light (as in some mica)
Examples of asterism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Of course, the Diamond is not an official constellation but is an asterism.
—Joe Rao, Space.com, 15 May 2026
For another iconic asterism at this time of year, trace the Great Spring Triangle — Arcturus in Boötes, Spica in Virgo and Denebola in Leo — for a signpost of spring.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Called an asterism, which is a prominent group of stars that form a noticeable pattern, the celestial arrangement is a wintertime phenomenon in the Northern Hemisphere.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026
The Big Dipper, part of Ursa Major, is another prominent asterism.
—Hana Al-Khodairi, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for asterism
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Joe Rao, Space.com, 15 May 2026
For another iconic asterism at this time of year, trace the Great Spring Triangle — Arcturus in Boötes, Spica in Virgo and Denebola in Leo — for a signpost of spring.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Called an asterism, which is a prominent group of stars that form a noticeable pattern, the celestial arrangement is a wintertime phenomenon in the Northern Hemisphere.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026
The Big Dipper, part of Ursa Major, is another prominent asterism.
—Hana Al-Khodairi, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for asterism
Cite this Entry
“Asterism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asterism. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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