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 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 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 In its heyday, Aqua flew around 438 miles (705 kilometers) above the surface of the Earth, moving from the North Pole to the South Pole in an ellipse 14 times a day, scanning the entire planet. — Tom Brown, Space.com, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ellipse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ellipse
  1. oval
  2. egg
  3. orb
Noun
  • This year’s event is July 17, with festivities planned at the seaside oval throughout the day and continuing offsite well into the evening.
    — Kelley Carlson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 July 2026
  • The device offers the usual suspects of attachments—a curling barrel (two for left- and right-airflow styling), an oval brush, and a paddle brush.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 July 2026
Definition of oval
Noun
  • Trump tied this regular seasonal sale to his claims that his administration lowered costs for consumers, from gas prices to eggs.
    — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
  • Orkin recommends inspecting hotel rooms before unpacking by checking mattresses and furniture for live bugs, shed skins, tiny eggs or dark, ink-like stains.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Definition of egg
Noun
  • The items and blueprints for the items can be found in shops, claw machines, the flower basket crafting mission, the box of fortune, and the orb roll challenge.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • Another was a shining red orb of a hue the observer had never seen before.
    — Collin Binkley, Fortune, 15 June 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ellipse

Nglish: Translation of ellipse for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ellipse

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