noun

occultation

ok-uhl-TAY-shun

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Occultation (noun) means an astronomical event in which one celestial body passes in front of another, hiding it from an observer. Example: “Astronomers gathered to watch the occultation of the star by the Moon.”

noun

An astronomical event in which one celestial body passes in front of another, hiding it from an observer.

"Astronomers gathered to watch the occultation of the star by the Moon."

"The occultation lasted only a few seconds before the planet reappeared."

"A lunar occultation of Saturn is visible from parts of the country tonight."

The state of being hidden or kept from view.

"The document's occultation from public records raised suspicion."

"Years of occultation left the ruins unknown to archaeologists."

In Shia Islam, the belief that the Twelfth Imam is alive but hidden from the world until his return at the end of time.

"Shia theology describes the Occultation of the Twelfth Imam as a state that will end with his return."

"Scholars have written extensively on the doctrine of the Occultation."

How to use occultation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOne object passing in front of another and blocking it from view, or more generally being hidden.

When to use it

It's a technical term, used mainly in astronomy and, more rarely, in general writing about something hidden.

Memory tip

In everyday writing, 'hidden' or 'concealed' is usually a simpler choice than occultation.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a lunar occultation the occultation of a star witness an occultation

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Astronomers gathered to watch the _____ of the star by the Moon.

Etymology

Occultation comes from Latin occultationem, meaning concealment, which derives from the verb occultare, to hide. It can also be understood as occult plus the ending -ation.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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eclipse hiddenness invisibility

Related words

exceed dominate visibility eclipse occult hiddenness invisibility overshadow

Rhymes for occultation

region cation ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion

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Frequently asked questions

What is an occultation in astronomy?

It is when one celestial object passes directly between an observer and another object, briefly hiding the more distant one from view.

Is occultation the same as an eclipse?

The two terms are closely related, and eclipse is listed as a synonym for the astronomical sense of occultation.

What does occultation mean outside astronomy?

More generally it can simply mean the state of being hidden or out of sight.

What is the meaning of occultation?

"occultation" (noun) means an astronomical event in which one celestial body passes in front of another, hiding it from an observer.

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exceed dominate visibility eclipse occult hiddenness invisibility overshadow