Orion

noun

Ori·​on ə-ˈrī-ən How to pronounce Orion (audio)
ȯ-
1
[Latin (genitive Orionis)] : a constellation on the equator east of Taurus represented on charts by the figure of a hunter with belt and sword
2
: a giant hunter slain by Artemis in Greek mythology

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek Ōriōn

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Orion was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near Orion

Cite this Entry

“Orion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Orion. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

Orion

noun
Ori·​on ə-ˈrī-ən How to pronounce Orion (audio)
ȯ-
: a group of stars on the equator east of Taurus represented on charts by the figure of a hunter with belt and sword

More from Merriam-Webster on Orion

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!