noun

stardate

STAHR-dayt

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Stardate (noun) means a fictional unit of date and time used in Star Trek instead of ordinary calendar dates. Example: “The captain's log began, "Stardate 4523.3: we have entered orbit.”

noun

A fictional unit of date and time used in Star Trek instead of ordinary calendar dates.

"And to avoid any quantum entanglement, make sure that if you visit the show before it closes on the stardate equivalent to Sept. 20, your transporter is in working order." — Edward Rothstein, The U.S.S. Enterprise, in Strange New World of Museum (2009)

"The captain's log began, "Stardate 4523.3: we have entered orbit.""

"Fans still argue over how the show's stardate numbering system is supposed to work."

"Captain's log, stardate 3087.6. While investigating an uncharted planet, the Enterprise and at least this entire quadrant of space, has been subjected to violent, unexplained stress and force." — Star Trek, The Alternative Factor (1967)

How to use stardate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA made-up "futuristic" date format used in Star Trek instead of years and months.

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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”.

Word forms

Plural: stardates

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The captain's log began, "_____ 4523.3: we have entered orbit."

Etymology

A blend of "star" and "date," invented for the Star Trek franchise to give a futuristic feel to in-universe timestamps.

Rhymes for stardate

ate date rate mate abate slate plate state create update locate emirate

See all rhymes for stardate →

Frequently asked questions

What does “stardate” mean?

The word “stardate” means a fictional unit of date and time used in Star Trek instead of ordinary calendar dates. In plain terms, a made-up "futuristic" date format used in Star Trek instead of years and months.

How do you pronounce “stardate”?

“Stardate” is pronounced STAHR-dayt (/ˈstɑɹdeɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “stardate” in a sentence?

Here is “stardate” used in a sentence: “The captain's log began, "Stardate 4523.3: we have entered orbit.".”

What part of speech is “stardate”?

“Stardate” is a noun.