constellation
noun
con·stel·la·tion
ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən 
1
: the configuration of stars especially at one's birth
2
: any of 88 arbitrary configurations of stars or an area of the celestial sphere covering one of these configurations
the constellation Orion
3
: an assemblage, collection, or group of usually related persons, qualities, or things
… a constellation of … relatives, friends, and hangers-on …—
Brendan Gill
Brendan Gilla constellation of symptoms
4
: pattern, arrangement
… taking advantage of the shifting constellation of power throughout the known world.—H. D. Lasswell
H. D. LasswellExamples of constellation in a Sentence
The constellation Ursa Major contains the stars of the Big Dipper.
A large constellation of relatives and friends attended the funeral.
The patient presented a constellation of symptoms.
Recent Examples on the Web
An alternative is to build smaller satellites and fly them in preset formations called constellations.
—Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026
The same group has given previous notable variants the names of mythological creatures (Cerberus, Kraken), constellations (Eris) and even types of clouds (Stratus, Nimbus).
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
The back of the cap has Neil Armstrong’s footprint from the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, while the constellation Orion on the rim represents the Artemis II mission, Lucas explained in a video shared by Freelancer after he was announced as a finalist.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Today, a visual depiction of Glock’s corporate structure drawn from Austrian corporate filings resembles a solar system, balls of different sizes representing the various foundations and subsidiaries set amid a constellation of individuals.
—Simon Akam, Vanity Fair, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for constellation
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Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026
The same group has given previous notable variants the names of mythological creatures (Cerberus, Kraken), constellations (Eris) and even types of clouds (Stratus, Nimbus).
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
The back of the cap has Neil Armstrong’s footprint from the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, while the constellation Orion on the rim represents the Artemis II mission, Lucas explained in a video shared by Freelancer after he was announced as a finalist.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Today, a visual depiction of Glock’s corporate structure drawn from Austrian corporate filings resembles a solar system, balls of different sizes representing the various foundations and subsidiaries set amid a constellation of individuals.
—Simon Akam, Vanity Fair, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for constellation
Cite this Entry
“Constellation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constellation. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
constellation
noun
con·stel·la·tion
ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən
: any of 88 groups of stars forming patterns
Etymology
Middle English constellacioun "the position of the stars in the sky at the time of a person's birth," from early French constellation (same meaning), from Latin con-, com- "with" and stella "star"
Medical Definition
constellation
noun
con·stel·la·tion
ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən
: a set of ideas, conditions, symptoms, or traits that fall into or appear to fall into a pattern: as
a
: a group of stimulus conditions or factors affecting personality and behavior development
the way in which family constellation and handling of punishment influenced this particular boy—S. B. Sarason
S. B. Sarason
b
: a group of behavioral or personality traits
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