solar eclipse

noun

: an eclipse of the sun by the moon see eclipse illustration

Examples of solar eclipse 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.
The concept is basically like a solar eclipse; a coronagraph blocks out the glare of a star such that anything around that star can come into focus. — Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 30 Aug. 2026 How to watch the lunar eclipse Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view without any special devices. — Amen Galinato, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 This is because solar eclipses can only happen during a new moon, and lunar eclipses during a full moon, as the Earth, moon and sun line up. — Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026 Unlike the total solar eclipse that was only visible in parts of Europe and North African earlier this month, this deep partial lunar eclipse will be visible to billions across the world. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for solar eclipse

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of solar eclipse was in 1602

Rhymes for solar eclipse

See All Rhymes for solar eclipse

Browse Nearby Words

solar diagonal
solar eclipse
solar ecliptic limit
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Solar eclipse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solar%20eclipse. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

solar eclipse

noun
: an eclipse of the sun by the moon

More from Merriam-Webster on solar eclipse

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about solar eclipse

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