variable star

noun

Synonyms of variable starnext
: a star whose brightness changes usually in more or less regular periods

Examples of variable star 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 of these alerts will be triggered by variable stars, which cyclically change in brightness. — IEEE Spectrum, 23 June 2025 This variable star is also located 250 light-years from Earth, but is sadly lost from view in the glare of the sun during the summer months. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 29 June 2026 Observations based on nearby cosmic objects like Cepheid variable stars and supernovae suggest a faster expansion rate. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 5 Mar. 2026 Mroz counters, however, that none of those cases are actual microlensing events and instead the mere fluctuations of ordinary variable stars. — Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for variable star

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of variable star was in 1788

Rhymes for variable star

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Browse Nearby Words

variable-speed gear
variable star
variable time fuze
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Cite this Entry

“Variable star.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/variable%20star. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

variable star

noun
: a star whose brightness changes usually in more or less regular periods

More from Merriam-Webster on variable star

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for variable star

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about variable star

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