noun
Uncommon
eclipse
ih-KLIHPS
Eclipse (noun) means an event where one astronomical body passes in front of another, blocking it from view, such as the Moon passing in front of the Sun. Example: “Millions gathered to watch the total solar eclipse in 2017.”
noun
1
An event where one astronomical body passes in front of another, blocking it from view, such as the Moon passing in front of the Sun.
"Millions gathered to watch the total solar eclipse in 2017."
"A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth's shadow falls across the Moon."
"During the eclipse the sky grew dark in the middle of the afternoon."
verb
1
To overshadow something, making it seem less important or noticeable by comparison.
"Her earlier achievements were eclipsed by the scandal that followed."
"The huge new stadium eclipses every other building in the small town."
"His quiet talent was eclipsed by the louder success of his older sister."
How to use eclipse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOne thing blocking or overshadowing another — literally in astronomy, or figuratively when something outshines something else.
Common pairings
solar eclipse
lunar eclipse
eclipsed by
total eclipse
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Word forms
- Plural
- eclipses
- Third person singular
- eclipses
- Past tense
- eclipsed
Fill the gap
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Millions gathered to watch the total solar _____ in 2017.
Etymology
From Greek ékleipsis, "a forsaking" or "vanishing," from ekleípō — ek- ("out") plus leípō ("to leave behind") — describing how the sun or moon seems to disappear.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for eclipse
See all rhymes for eclipse →Frequently asked questions
What does “eclipse” mean?
The word “eclipse” means an event where one astronomical body passes in front of another, blocking it from view, such as the Moon passing in front of the Sun. In plain terms, one thing blocking or overshadowing another — literally in astronomy, or figuratively when something outshines something else.
How do you pronounce “eclipse”?
“Eclipse” is pronounced ih-KLIHPS (/ɪˈklɪps/ in IPA).
How do you use “eclipse” in a sentence?
Here is “eclipse” used in a sentence: “Millions gathered to watch the total solar eclipse in 2017.”
What part of speech is “eclipse”?
Depending on how it is used, “eclipse” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “eclipse” come from?
The word “eclipse” comes from Greek. From Greek ékleipsis, "a forsaking" or "vanishing," from ekleípō — ek- ("out") plus leípō ("to leave behind") — describing how the sun or moon seems to disappear.
Is “eclipse” a common word?
“Eclipse” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “eclipse” have?
“Eclipse” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an event where one astronomical body passes in front of another, blocking it from view, such as the Moon passing in front of the Sun.
What is the difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse?
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun from view. A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow onto the Moon; both are examples of one astronomical body passing in front of another.
How is eclipse used figuratively?
Used figuratively as a verb, eclipse means to overshadow something, making it seem less important or noticeable by comparison, as in 'her achievements eclipsed his own.' This sense extends the astronomical idea of one body blocking another to describe one thing outshining or overtaking another.
What is the difference between eclipse and outshine?
Both eclipse and outshine describe one thing surpassing another in prominence, but eclipse carries a stronger sense of completely overshadowing or blocking something from attention, much like a celestial eclipse blocks a body from view. Outshine tends to suggest simply being more impressive, without necessarily implying the other thing disappears from notice.
