noun

perigee

PER-ih-jee

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Perigee (noun) means the point in an orbit around the Earth or another planet where the orbiting body is closest to it. Example: “The Moon reaches perigee roughly once a month.”

noun

technical The point in an orbit around the Earth or another planet where the orbiting body is closest to it.

"The Moon reaches perigee roughly once a month."

"At perigee, the satellite's orbital speed is at its highest."

"Astronomers timed the launch to coincide with the spacecraft's perigee."

How to use perigee

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPerigee is simply the closest point an orbiting object gets to the planet it circles.

When to use it

This is a specialist astronomy term used mainly in scientific and space-related writing.

Memory tip

Link peri- with near and remember perigee as the near point, paired with apogee as the far point.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

apogee → perihelion →

Common pairings

reach perigee at perigee perigee and apogee

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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 “perigee” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The Moon reaches _____ roughly once a month.

Etymology

Perigee reached English through French périgée and Latin perigeum, going back to Ancient Greek. It combines peri, meaning near, with ge, meaning Earth.

Origin: French

Antonyms

apogee

Related words

summit apex culmination apogee perihelion paroxysm culmen

Rhymes for perigee

ee see bee wee nee pee fee tee zee gee vee ree

See all rhymes for perigee →

Frequently asked questions

What does perigee mean?

It is the point in an object's orbit where it comes closest to the Earth or whichever planet it is orbiting.

What is the opposite of perigee?

Apogee, the point in the orbit where the object is furthest away.

Does perigee only apply to the Moon?

No, it applies to any orbit around the Earth or another planet, not just the Moon's orbit.

What is the meaning of perigee?

"perigee" (noun) means the point in an orbit around the Earth or another planet where the orbiting body is closest to it.

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summit apex culmination apogee perihelion paroxysm culmen