What does "constellation" mean?
An arbitrary formation of stars perceived as a figure (especially one from mythology) or pattern, or a division of the sky including it, especially one officially recognized by astronomers; an asterism.
Constellation
/ˌkɒn.stəˈleɪ.ʃən/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An arbitrary formation of stars perceived as a figure (especially one from mythology) or pattern, or a division of the sky including it, especially one officially recognized by astronomers; an asterism.
- Grammar: constellation is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: aggregation, antlia, antlia pneumatica, appointed lot.
- Useful contrasts: dispersal, isolation, random scatter.
- Usage evidence: What's your favorite constellation?
How to use "constellation"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "constellation" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "constellation" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "constellation" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "constellation" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "aggregation" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An arbitrary formation of stars perceived as a figure (especially one from mythology) or pattern, or a division of the sky including it, especially one officially recognized by astronomers; an asterism.
"Behold, the day of the Lord commeth, cruell both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land deſolate; and he ſhall deſtroy the ſinners thereof out of it. For the ſtarres of heauen, and the conſtellations thereof ſhall not giue their light: the ſunne ſhalbe darkened in his going forth, and the moone ſhall not cauſe her light to ſhine."
- 2 an arrangement of parts or elements wordnet
- 3 An arbitrary formation of stars perceived as a figure (especially one from mythology) or pattern, or a division of the sky including it, especially one officially recognized by astronomers; an asterism.; Any of the 88 regions of the sky officially recognized by the International Astronomical Union, including all stars and celestial bodies in the region. modern
- 4 a configuration of stars as seen from the earth wordnet
- 5 A configuration or grouping of related things. figuratively
"[T]he program AppleWorks for the Apple IIe was released circa 1984. It combined a spreadsheet, database, and word processing program into one easy-to-use, low-cost integrated software package. This software constellation persists today as Microsoft Office, the most popular software tool set in history."
Show 7 more definitions
- 6 A configuration or grouping of related things.; A wide, seemingly unlimited, assortment. figuratively
"a constellation of possibilities"
- 7 A configuration or grouping of related things.; An array of marks or items. figuratively
"He had a constellation of bruises on his side."
- 8 A configuration or grouping of related things.; Synonym of complex (“a collection of ideas caused by repressed emotions that leads to an abnormal mental condition”). figuratively
- 9 A configuration or grouping of related things.; A network of connections between people who are in polyamorous relationships, for example between a person, their partner, and that person's partner. figuratively
- 10 A configuration or grouping of related things.; A fleet of satellites used for the same purpose. figuratively
"The Iridium satellite constellation provides data and voice information coverage to satellite phones and other communication devices over the entire surface of Earth."
- 11 The configuration of planets at a given time (especially a person's birth), as believed to affect events on Earth, or used for determining a horoscope. obsolete
"But alas such peruerse constellation nowe reigneth ouer men, that where some be aptely and naturally disposed to amitie, and fyndeth one, in similitude of studie and maners, equall to his expectation, and therfore kendeleth a feruent loue towarde that persone, puttinge all his ioye and delite in the praise and auauncement of him that he loueth, it hapneth that he which is loued, beinge promoted in honour, either of purpose neglecteth his frende, therby suppressynge libertie of speche or familiar resorte; or els esteming his mynde with his fortune onely, and nat with the suertie of frendship, hideth from him the secretes of his harte, and either trusteth no man, or els him whome prosperous fortune hath late brought in acquaintaunce."
- 12 A person's character or inclinations, supposedly determined by their horoscope. obsolete
"I knovv thy conſtellation is right apt / For this affayre: […]"
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"What's your favorite constellation?"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "constellation"?
Common synonyms include: aggregation, antlia, antlia pneumatica, appointed lot, apus, aquarius.
How do you use "constellation" in a sentence?
What's your favorite constellation?
How do you pronounce "constellation"?
Pronounced /ˌkɒn.stəˈleɪ.ʃən/.
Etymology
PIE word *ḱóm From Middle English constellacioun, constillacioun (“(astrology) position of the moon or a planet in relation to the ascendant sign of the zodiac; horoscope; (astronomy) formation of fixed stars, constellation; (astronomy) elevation or position of the sun”) [and other forms], borrowed from Old French constellation (modern French constellation), or directly from its etymon Late Latin cōnstēllātiōnem, the accusative singular of cōnstēllātiō (“collection of stars supposed to exert an influence upon human affairs, constellation”), from Latin con- (prefix denoting a bringing together of several objects) + stēlla (“star; meteor; planet”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₂stḗr (“star”)) + -ātiō (suffix forming nouns).