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noun Uncommon

Orion

uh-REYE-uhn

Orion (noun) means a well-known constellation on the celestial equator, easily spotted by its three-star "belt," and containing the bright stars Betelgeuse and Rigel. Example: “On clear winter nights you can easily pick out Orion's belt.”

noun
1
A well-known constellation on the celestial equator, easily spotted by its three-star "belt," and containing the bright stars Betelgeuse and Rigel.
"On clear winter nights you can easily pick out Orion's belt."
"Orion is one of the most recognisable constellations in the night sky."

How to Use Orion

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe famous hunter-shaped constellation, named after a figure from Greek mythology.

Common pairings
Orion's belt the constellation Orion spot Orion

Word Forms

Orions plural

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Test yourself on “Orion” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

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On clear winter nights you can easily pick out _____'s belt.

Etymology

Named after Orion, a giant hunter in Greek mythology who was placed among the stars after his death; the myth traces back through Latin Ōrīōn to Ancient Greek Ὠρίων.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Related Words

Rhymes for Orion

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “Orion” mean?

The word “Orion” means a well-known constellation on the celestial equator, easily spotted by its three-star "belt," and containing the bright stars Betelgeuse and Rigel. In plain terms, the famous hunter-shaped constellation, named after a figure from Greek mythology.

How do you pronounce “Orion”?

“Orion” is pronounced uh-REYE-uhn (/əˈɹaɪ.ən/ in IPA).

How do you use “Orion” in a sentence?

Here is “Orion” used in a sentence: “On clear winter nights you can easily pick out Orion's belt.”

What part of speech is “Orion”?

“Orion” is a noun.

Where does the word “Orion” come from?

The word “Orion” comes from Ancient Greek. Named after Orion, a giant hunter in Greek mythology who was placed among the stars after his death; the myth traces back through Latin Ōrīōn to Ancient Greek Ὠρίων.

Is “Orion” a common word?

“Orion” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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