zodiac

noun

zo·​di·​ac ˈzō-dē-ˌak How to pronounce zodiac (audio)
1
a
: an imaginary band in the heavens centered on the ecliptic that encompasses the apparent paths of all the planets and is divided into 12 constellations or signs each taken for astrological purposes to extend 30 degrees of longitude
b
: a figure representing the signs of the zodiac and their symbols
2
: a cyclic course
a zodiac of feasts and fastsR. W. Emerson
zodiacal adjective
zodiac table

Examples of zodiac in a Sentence

a political candidate dealing with the never-ending zodiac of rubber-chicken dinners and meet and greets
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.
Read on for how spring’s eclipse season will shake up your world according to your zodiac sign. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025 The experimental 12-track LP takes inspiration from astrology, with each song dedicated to a different zodiac sign. Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2025 Aries season hits on March 20, putting the solar spotlight on you and your unique brand of zodiac magic through the whole month ahead. Nina Kahn, StyleCaster, 24 Feb. 2025 The same could be said of the new Year of the Snake Masterpiece Humidor from the premium cigar brand Davidoff, which has created cigars and accessories celebrating the Chinese zodiac since 2012. Victoria Gomelsky, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for zodiac

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French zodias, zodiac, borrowed from Latin zōdiacus, adjective (in the combinations circulus/orbis zōdiacus "zodiac"), borrowed from Greek zōidiakós "zodiac" (originally modifying kýklos "circle"), from zṓidion "painted or carved figure, sign of the zodiac" (from zôion "animal, figure, image" + -idion, diminutive suffix) + -akos, variant of -ikos -ic entry 1 after a vowel — more at zoo-

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of zodiac was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Zodiac.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zodiac. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

zodiac

noun
zo·​di·​ac ˈzōd-ē-ˌak How to pronounce zodiac (audio)
1
: an imaginary belt in the heavens that includes the apparent paths of most of the planets and is divided into 12 star groups or signs
2
: a figure showing the signs of the zodiac
zodiacal adjective
zodiac table
Etymology

Middle English zodiac "zodiac," from Latin zodiacus (same meaning), derived from Greek zōidion "carved or painted figure, sign of the zodiac," from zōion "living being, animal, figure"

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