orbiter

noun

or·​bit·​er ˈȯr-bə-tər How to pronounce orbiter (audio)
: one that orbits: such as
a
: a spacecraft designed to orbit a celestial body without landing on its surface

Examples of orbiter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
For the Lyrid shower, the comet in question is Comet Thatcher, a long-period orbiter that takes 415.5 years to complete its journey around the sun. Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Dec. 2024 After compiling geological data collected by past Mars landers and orbiters, the team identified 11 potential concrete options for future astronauts. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 17 Dec. 2024 Consisting of four elements — a lunar orbiter, a lander, an ascender and an Earth-reentry module, the Chang'e 6 moon probe rode a Long March 5 rocket into orbit. Julian Dossett, Space.com, 28 Dec. 2024 Plans include a crewed mission to the Moon, sending an orbiter to Venus, and the first phase of a space station. Harriet Marsden, theweek, 1 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for orbiter 

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of orbiter was in 1951

Dictionary Entries Near orbiter

Cite this Entry

“Orbiter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orbiter. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

orbiter

noun
or·​bit·​er ˈȯr-bət-ər How to pronounce orbiter (audio)
1
: one that orbits
2
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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