constellation

noun

con·​stel·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce constellation (audio)
1
: the configuration of stars especially at one's birth
2
: any of 88 arbitrary configurations of stars or an area of the celestial sphere covering one of these configurations
the constellation Orion
3
: an assemblage, collection, or group of usually related persons, qualities, or things
… a constellation of … relatives, friends, and hangers-on …Brendan Gill
a constellation of symptoms
4
: pattern, arrangement
… taking advantage of the shifting constellation of power throughout the known world.H. D. Lasswell
constellatory adjective

Examples of constellation in a Sentence

The constellation Ursa Major contains the stars of the Big Dipper. A large constellation of relatives and friends attended the funeral. The patient presented a constellation of symptoms.
Recent Examples on the Web In keeping with the name of the whisky, the label design features a night sky with puffy clouds, representing the whisky’s smoky character, and the Pegasus constellation to evoke the celestial theme. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2024 Europe has to use SpaceX to expand the Galileo constellation because the next generation of its own Ariane rocket system is delayed, and because longtime launch partner Russia is no friend these days. David Meyer, Fortune, 20 Mar. 2024 Vega is found in the constellation Lyra in the Northern sky. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024 At night, the dark sky above the bay shines with thousands of celestial bodies, and the Big Dipper, also known as the Great Bear constellation, loiters in the northern sky, right above the majestic cathedral. Danuta Hamlin, Fox News, 18 Feb. 2024 Together, these artists form but a part of the constellation of creative minds that have found resonance with the spirit of AlUla. Shelby Knick, Forbes, 17 Feb. 2024 Hollywood not only attracted great dancers like Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, but also produced its own constellation of choreographic stars, including Busby Berkeley, Hermes Pan and Jack Cole, as well as drawing big names like George Balanchine, who worked on several films. Robin Pogrebin, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2024 The research relies upon machine learning, a process in which computers identify patterns to make predictions and decisions, and constellations of commercial satellites that scan Earth’s surface daily. Bennet Goldstein, Journal Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2024 The blizzard didn’t let up on the constellation of snow resorts across the Sierra. Daniel Hunt, Sacramento Bee, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'constellation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English constellacioun, from Anglo-French constellation, from Late Latin constellation-, constellatio, from Latin com- + stella star — more at star

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near constellation

Cite this Entry

“Constellation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constellation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

constellation

noun
con·​stel·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce constellation (audio)
: any of 88 groups of stars forming patterns
Etymology

Middle English constellacioun "the position of the stars in the sky at the time of a person's birth," from early French constellation (same meaning), from Latin con-, com- "with" and stella "star"

Medical Definition

constellation

noun
con·​stel·​la·​tion ˌkän(t)-stə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce constellation (audio)
: a set of ideas, conditions, symptoms, or traits that fall into or appear to fall into a pattern: as
a
: a group of stimulus conditions or factors affecting personality and behavior development
the way in which family constellation and handling of punishment influenced this particular boyS. B. Sarason
b
: a group of behavioral or personality traits
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