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noun Uncommon

orb

awb

Orb (noun) means a sphere or spherical object, especially something described poetically — a planet, star, or globe. Example: “The moon hung in the sky like a pale orb.”

noun
1
A sphere or spherical object, especially something described poetically — a planet, star, or globe.
"The moon hung in the sky like a pale orb."
2
A ceremonial golden sphere, topped with a cross, carried by a monarch as a symbol of royal power.
"The king held the orb and scepter during the coronation."

How to use orb

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA round, ball-like object — used both plainly and in ceremonial or poetic contexts.

Common pairings
crystal orb orb and scepter

Word forms

orbed past tense, orbs plural, orbs plural, orbs singular

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The moon hung in the sky like a pale _____.

Etymology

From Old French orbe, from Latin orbis, "circle, ring."

Origin: Latin

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “orb” mean?

The word “orb” means a sphere or spherical object, especially something described poetically — a planet, star, or globe. In plain terms, a round, ball-like object — used both plainly and in ceremonial or poetic contexts.

How do you pronounce “orb”?

“Orb” is pronounced awb (/ɔɹb/ in IPA).

How do you use “orb” in a sentence?

Here is “orb” used in a sentence: “The moon hung in the sky like a pale orb.”

What is another word for “orb”?

Words with a similar meaning to “orb” include globe.

What part of speech is “orb”?

“Orb” is a noun.

Where does the word “orb” come from?

The word “orb” comes from Latin. From Old French orbe, from Latin orbis, "circle, ring.".

Is “orb” a common word?

“Orb” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “orb” have?

“Orb” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sphere or spherical object, especially something described poetically — a planet, star, or globe.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial