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 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 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 The moon’s orbital path around Earth is a slight ellipse, so there’s a near-point (perigee) and a far-point (apogee) every month. — Jamie Carter, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for ellipse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ellipse
  1. oval
  2. egg
  3. orb
Noun
  • In its modern version, its sculptural and chiseled oval shape inspired by the melon — a fruit long associated with abundance, prosperity and vitality — came in aluminum pleated in 24-karat gold for enhanced lightness.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Queen Letizia also regularly wears an oval Karen Hallam ring next to it on her middle finger.
    — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of oval
Noun
  • Decadently delicious is the Champagne Bar, where Ruinart blanc de blancs gives way to Dom Pérignon as small bites from oysters with Champagne foam to potato purée with white truffle and egg yolk arrive before you.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The drink — with Vago elote mezcal, roasted jalapeños, honey syrup, egg whites, lemon and corn, of course — comes with a side snack of a jalapeño corn muffin.
    — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of egg
Noun
  • But the poori remains the same, made with whole wheat flour, water and a touch of salt, gently pressed and then fried, ballooning into a gorgeous orb.
    — Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026
  • For the hunters, a massive grey orb with a ramp protruding from it is one clue.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ellipse

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ellipse

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