noun
Uncommon
zodiac
ZOH-dih-ak
Zodiac (noun) means the band of sky that follows the sun's yearly path, traditionally divided into twelve constellations or "signs.". Example: “She reads her horoscope based on where the sun sits in the zodiac.”
noun
1
The band of sky that follows the sun's yearly path, traditionally divided into twelve constellations or "signs."
"She reads her horoscope based on where the sun sits in the zodiac."
"Astronomers once used the zodiac to track the movement of the planets."
2
Any of several astrological systems built around twelve fixed signs, such as the Chinese zodiac.
"In the Chinese zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Horse."
How to use zodiac
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe twelve star-sign belt used in astrology, or any similar twelve-part symbolic system like the Chinese calendar.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
sign of the zodiac
Chinese zodiac
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Word forms
- Plural
- zodiacs
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She reads her horoscope based on where the sun sits in the _____.
Etymology
From Old French zodiaque, from Latin zōdiacus, from Greek zōidiakós kúklos, literally "circle of little animals" — a nod to the animal-shaped constellations along that band of sky.
Rhymes for zodiac
cardiac
Pontiac
amnesiac
brainiac
insomniac
egomaniac
pyromaniac
aphrodisiac
kleptomaniac
megalomaniac
nymphomaniac
hypochondriac
See all rhymes for zodiac →
Frequently asked questions
What does “zodiac” mean?
The word “zodiac” means the band of sky that follows the sun's yearly path, traditionally divided into twelve constellations or "signs.". In plain terms, the twelve star-sign belt used in astrology, or any similar twelve-part symbolic system like the Chinese calendar.
How do you pronounce “zodiac”?
“Zodiac” is pronounced ZOH-dih-ak (/ˈzoʊ.diˌæk/ in IPA).
How do you use “zodiac” in a sentence?
Here is “zodiac” used in a sentence: “She reads her horoscope based on where the sun sits in the zodiac.”
What part of speech is “zodiac”?
“Zodiac” is a noun.
Where does the word “zodiac” come from?
The word “zodiac” comes from Latin. From Old French zodiaque, from Latin zōdiacus, from Greek zōidiakós kúklos, literally "circle of little animals" — a nod to the animal-shaped constellations along that band of sky.
Is “zodiac” a common word?
“Zodiac” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “zodiac” have?
“Zodiac” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the band of sky that follows the sun's yearly path, traditionally divided into twelve constellations or "signs.".
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