Ursa Major

noun

Ur·​sa Ma·​jor ˌər-sə-ˈmā-jər How to pronounce Ursa Major (audio)
: a constellation that is the most conspicuous of the northern constellations, is situated near the north pole of the heavens, and contains the stars forming the Big Dipper two of which are in a line indicating the direction of the North Star

called also Great Bear

Examples of Ursa Major in a Sentence

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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.
The guestrooms feature hardwood floors and custom decor alongside large walk-in showers with Ursa Major toiletries. — Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 28 Mar. 2025 Although Ursa Major is well known, few stargazers can go beyond the core asterism — the Big Dipper. — Jamie Carter, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 The long radio blasts, which lasted between 30 and 90 seconds, appeared to come from the direction of the Ursa Major constellation, where the Big Dipper is located. — Ashley Strickland, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025 The stellar dancing duet can be located in the star system in the direction of the Great Bear, otherwise known as Ursa Major, according to two papers published in Nature Astronomy. — Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Ursa Major

Word History

Etymology

Latin (genitive Ursae Majoris), literally, greater bear

First Known Use

circa 1627, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Ursa Major was circa 1627

Rhymes for Ursa Major

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Browse Nearby Words

Urquhart
Ursa Major
Ursa Minor
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Cite this Entry

“Ursa Major.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Ursa%20Major. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

Ursa Major

noun
Ur·​sa Ma·​jor ˌər-sə-ˈmā-jər How to pronounce Ursa Major (audio)
: the northern group of stars that is the easiest to pick out, is located near the north pole of the heavens, and contains the stars forming the Big Dipper two of which are in a line pointing in the direction of the North Star

called also Great Bear

More from Merriam-Webster on Ursa Major

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Ursa Major

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