ellipse

noun

Definition of ellipsenext
as in oval
a shape that resembles a flattened circle The teacher drew an ellipse on the chalkboard that intended to illustrate the moon's orbit around the Earth.

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of ellipse This resonance dramatically stretches the planet’s orbit, turning it into a long, narrow ellipse. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026 The double-ellipse frame now reveals the full architecture of the caliber DR002SR, while the watch preserves the classical proportions and architecture of the original. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 19 Jan. 2026 Since the moon’s orbit around the Earth is not a perfect circle but rather an ellipse or oval, the moon’s distance from Earth can vary in its orbit, but not all that much. — Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 5 Oct. 2025 The moon’s orbital path around Earth is a slight ellipse, so there’s a near-point (perigee) and a far-point (apogee) every month. — Jamie Carter, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for ellipse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ellipse
  1. oval
  2. egg
  3. orb
Noun
  • Guests can choose between dual waterfall showers or a large oval bath with enough room for two.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Those 4,400+ diamonds were rendered in seven cuts—angel, heart, pear, marquise, oval, radiant, and round brilliant—and used four setting techniques meant to enhance the diamonds’ brilliance.
    — Max Berlinger, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of oval
Noun
  • On the other hand, the unemployment rate is still low and eggs no longer cost more than $6 a dozen.
    — Rachel Lerman, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Ruscha painted it using ingredients from the kitchen, including egg yolk, soybean paste, beets, and coconut milk.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of egg
Noun
  • Each pin is $18, and one buy gets you one egg-like orb with a mystery pin.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The sandal was made unique with knotted strap and gold metallic orb details.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of orb

Browse Nearby Words

ell
ellipse
ellipses
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Cite this Entry

“Ellipse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ellipse. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ellipse

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ellipse

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