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
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
As its name suggests, the asterism lurks relatively low on the horizon in the winter months for stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere, but rises high overhead during short summer nights.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Visible on clear September evenings, this seven-star asterism (a shape of stars, not an official constellation) moves into a noticeably low position in the northern sky after sunset.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
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Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 9 Feb. 2026
As its name suggests, the asterism lurks relatively low on the horizon in the winter months for stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere, but rises high overhead during short summer nights.
—Anthony Wood, Space.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Visible on clear September evenings, this seven-star asterism (a shape of stars, not an official constellation) moves into a noticeably low position in the northern sky after sunset.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 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 14 Feb. 2026.
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