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
  • For the arena version of the tour, Styles and his airtight band, led by fan-favorite drummer Sarah Jones, are situated in the center of an oval.
    — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Upstairs, the primary suite flaunts a projector, large walk-in closets, and a skylit bath spotlighted by a huge oval soaking tub.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of oval
Noun
  • Rich, dense layers of cheesecake made with cream cheese, peanut butter, and egg are sandwiched between a crisp, buttery graham cracker crust and smooth chocolate ganache.
    — Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Pour in egg mixture and, using chopsticks or a heatproof rubber spatula, evenly distribute vegetables throughout egg.
    — Beverly Kim, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of egg
Noun
  • The silvery orb’s full appearance also contributed to another celestial event.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The golden orb was a part of an anemone called a cuticle, the base the anemone sits on when it’s attached to something.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ellipse

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ellipse

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