geostationary

adjective

geo·​sta·​tion·​ary ˌjē-ō-ˈstā-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce geostationary (audio)
: being or having an equatorial orbit at an altitude of about 22,300 miles (35,900 kilometers) requiring an angular velocity the same as that of the earth so that the position of a satellite in such an orbit is fixed with respect to the earth

Examples of geostationary 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.
However, Viasat plans to use the spectrum for downloading and uploading data on the F2, a high-orbiting geostationary satellite over 22,000 miles away. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 29 Aug. 2026 According to Arianespace, the MTG-I2 mission will mark the fourth Ariane 6 launch of the year and the rocket’s first to a geostationary orbit. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2026 The Ariane 6 released MTG-I2 into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) 36 minutes after liftoff. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026 And there are hundreds of geostationary satellites and ever more and stranger missions into space that will need servicing. — Tom Metcalfe, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for geostationary

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of geostationary was in 1961

Rhymes for geostationary

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Browse Nearby Words

geostatic
geostationary
geostrategic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Geostationary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/geostationary. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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