compass rose

noun

: a circle graduated to degrees or quarters and printed on a chart to show direction

Examples of compass rose 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.
Just across the water, St. Paul’s dome gleams like a compass rose—guiding the gaze. — Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025 The flag also features a yellow eight-point star similar to the shape of a compass rose, representing Massachusetts’ maritime history. — Isabelle Friedman, Boston Herald, 2 Sep. 2025 The Astronomica water play zone will sit atop a compass rose that points to the portals on the hub during the day and transform into a colorful fountain light show at night. — Brady MacDonald, Orange County Register, 19 Mar. 2025 The original burial layout resembled a compass rose. — arkansasonline.com, 14 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for compass rose

Word History

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of compass rose was in 1858

Rhymes for compass rose

See All Rhymes for compass rose

Browse Nearby Words

compass roof
compass rose
compass saw
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Compass rose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compass%20rose. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on compass rose

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about compass rose

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