planetary

adjective

plan·​e·​tary ˈpla-nə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce planetary (audio)
Synonyms of planetarynext
1
a
: of, relating to, being, or resembling a planet
b
: erratic, wandering
c
: having a motion like that of a planet
planetary electrons
d
: immense
the scope of this project has reached planetary proportions
2
a
: of, relating to, or belonging to the earth : terrestrial
b
: global, worldwide
planetary politics
3
: having or consisting of an epicyclic train of gear wheels

Synonyms of planetary

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Examples of planetary in a Sentence

a positively planetary new shopping development
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.
There are some planetary and moon events upcoming to keep an eye on. — Ayrika L Whitney, USA Today, 24 June 2026 Mann and his colleagues have shown an uptick in the frequency of such stuck jet stream patterns, known as planetary resonance events, in recent decades. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 1 July 2026 And that’s to say nothing of the complex political obstacles to the whole idea of planetary defense. — Govert Schilling, Scientific American, 27 June 2026 The collective pull on the electrical grid of any community from household lights has significant planetary and global ramifications. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for planetary

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of planetary was in 1607

Phrases Containing planetary

Rhymes for planetary

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Browse Nearby Words

planetarium
planetary
planetary configuration
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Cite this Entry

“Planetary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/planetary. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

planetary

adjective
plan·​e·​tary ˈplan-ə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce planetary (audio)
1
a
: of or relating to a planet
b
: having a motion like that of a planet
planetary electrons of the atomic nucleus
2
: worldwide, global
a matter of planetary concern

More from Merriam-Webster on planetary

Nglish: Translation of planetary for Spanish Speakers

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