dwarf planet

noun

: a celestial body that orbits the sun and has a spherical shape but is not large enough to disturb other objects from its orbit

Examples of dwarf planet 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.
Today, Pluto remains a dwarf planet under the IAU's definition; however, the debate has never fully gone away. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 The redefinition of Pluto as a dwarf planet took away none of the former planet's wonder or beauty. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2026 Despite Pluto’s demotion to a dwarf planet, PEOPLE’s astrology writer Valerie Mesa notes that the planet is still part of your astrological chart. — Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026 In 2015, New Horizons became the first spacecraft to conduct a detailed flyby of Pluto and its moons, which changed scientists’ understanding of the frigid dwarf planet. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dwarf planet

Word History

First Known Use

1993, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dwarf planet was in 1993

Rhymes for dwarf planet

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Browse Nearby Words

dwarf pine
dwarf planet
dwarf plantain
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Cite this Entry

“Dwarf planet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dwarf%20planet. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dwarf planet

noun
: a celestial object similar to a planet but too small to clear other objects from its orbit
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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