exoplanet

noun

exo·​plan·​et ˈek-sō-ˌpla-nət How to pronounce exoplanet (audio)
ˌek-sō-ˈpla-
: a planet orbiting a star that is not our sun

Examples of exoplanet 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.
Many exoplanets are stuck in inhospitable orbits that make life or just the presence of liquid water impossible, and this stop on the tour brings home Earth’s good fortune. — Rob Pegoraro, ArsTechnica, 3 July 2026 The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy. — Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026 This means the exoplanet originally resided safely outside the red dwarf’s diameter. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 1 July 2026 Satellites illuminated by the sun can leave bright streaks across telescope images, blocking faint galaxies, Earth-like exoplanets and potentially dangerous asteroids. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for exoplanet

Word History

First Known Use

1992, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exoplanet was in 1992

Rhymes for exoplanet

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Browse Nearby Words

exophthalmos
exoplanet
exoplasm
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exoplanet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exoplanet. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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