noun

planetarium

pla-nih-TEH-uh-reerm

Quiz me More like this

Planetarium (noun) means a building or theatre with a domed ceiling used to project images of stars, planets, and other astronomical scenes for viewers below. Example: “The class took a field trip to the planetarium to see a show about black holes.”

noun

A building or theatre with a domed ceiling used to project images of stars, planets, and other astronomical scenes for viewers below.

"The class took a field trip to the planetarium to see a show about black holes."

"The city's planetarium projects a full night sky onto its dome."

How to use planetarium

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA dome-shaped theatre that projects the night sky for an audience.

Common pairings

visit the planetarium planetarium show planetarium dome

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like planetarium.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

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”.

Word forms

Plural: planetariums, planetaria

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The class took a field trip to the _____ to see a show about black holes.

Etymology

Formed from planet plus the Latin ending -arium (a place for something), on the model of words like aquarium.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for planetarium

curium osmium cerium erbium sodium helium cadmium caesium fermium gallium niobium thulium

See all rhymes for planetarium →

Frequently asked questions

What does “planetarium” mean?

The word “planetarium” means a building or theatre with a domed ceiling used to project images of stars, planets, and other astronomical scenes for viewers below. In plain terms, a dome-shaped theatre that projects the night sky for an audience.

How do you pronounce “planetarium”?

“Planetarium” is pronounced pla-nih-TEH-uh-reerm (/plænɪˈtɛəɹɪəm/ in IPA).

How do you use “planetarium” in a sentence?

Here is “planetarium” used in a sentence: “The class took a field trip to the planetarium to see a show about black holes.”

What part of speech is “planetarium”?

“Planetarium” is a noun.

Where does the word “planetarium” come from?

The word “planetarium” comes from Latin. Formed from planet plus the Latin ending -arium (a place for something), on the model of words like aquarium.