perigee

noun

peri·​gee ˈper-ə-(ˌ)jē How to pronounce perigee (audio)
: the point in the orbit of an object (such as a satellite) orbiting the earth that is nearest to the center of the earth
also : the point nearest a planet or a satellite (such as the moon) reached by an object orbiting it compare apogee
perigean adjective

Examples of perigee 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.
These two events — perigee and opposition — typically occur a few days apart based on the orbits of the two planets. Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 10 Jan. 2025 Mars will reach perigee — its closest point to Earth — a few days earlier, on Jan. 12. 4. Jamie Carter, Space.com, 29 Dec. 2024 How many supermoons in 2025? Supermoons occur when a full moon coincides with the moon's closest approach to Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as perigee. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 8 Apr. 2024 This happens when the full moon falls at perigee – its closest point to Earth in its orbit. Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for perigee 

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from New Latin perigeum, from Greek perigeion, from neuter of perigeios near the earth, from peri- + earth

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perigee was in 1595

Dictionary Entries Near perigee

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

perigee

noun
peri·​gee ˈper-ə-jē How to pronounce perigee (audio)
: the point nearest a planet (as the earth) or other body (as a moon) reached by an object orbiting it compare apogee

More from Merriam-Webster on perigee

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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