zodiac

noun

zo·​di·​ac ˈzō-dē-ˌak How to pronounce zodiac (audio)
1
a
: an imaginary band in the heavens centered on the ecliptic that encompasses the apparent paths of all the planets and is divided into 12 constellations or signs each taken for astrological purposes to extend 30 degrees of longitude
b
: a figure representing the signs of the zodiac and their symbols
2
: a cyclic course
a zodiac of feasts and fastsR. W. Emerson
zodiacal adjective
zodiac table

Examples of zodiac in a Sentence

a political candidate dealing with the never-ending zodiac of rubber-chicken dinners and meet and greets
Recent Examples on the Web This major lunation is going to bring undeniable shifts and changes for all zodiac signs, but especially for Libra, Gemini, Aquarius, Cancer, Aries, and Capricorn placements. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Mar. 2024 The Year of the Dragon officially began Feb. 10 and is the fifth of the 12-year cycle of animals in the Chinese zodiac. Karl Mondon, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2024 The twelve zodiac animals include a rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, pig and dog. Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2024 The Lunar New Year is based on the Chinese zodiac and marks the 12-year cycle of animal signs. Detroit Free Press, 23 Feb. 2024 The Chinese zodiac is based on a mythological race, whereby the order of the animals finishing determines their place in the zodiac, influencing people’s personalities and fortunes based on their birth year. Julie Lin, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 2024 Today, faced with a rapidly shrinking population worsened by decades of limiting most families to one child, the Communist Party leadership has been promoting patriarchal gender roles in hopes of a baby boom — hopes heightened this year by zodiac beliefs about dragon babies being extra auspicious. Christian Shepherd, Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2024 Each year also has a corresponding animal from the Chinese zodiac, based on ancient Chinese mythology, and 2024 marks the Year of the Dragon. Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2024 What to know about 2024's Chinese zodiac animal 8 years down the drain? Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'zodiac.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French zodias, zodiac, borrowed from Latin zōdiacus, adjective (in the combinations circulus/orbis zōdiacus "zodiac"), borrowed from Greek zōidiakós "zodiac" (originally modifying kýklos "circle"), from zṓidion "painted or carved figure, sign of the zodiac" (from zôion "animal, figure, image" + -idion, diminutive suffix) + -akos, variant of -ikos -ic entry 1 after a vowel — more at zoo-

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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

Dictionary Entries Near zodiac

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

zodiac

noun
zo·​di·​ac ˈzōd-ē-ˌak How to pronounce zodiac (audio)
1
: an imaginary belt in the heavens that includes the apparent paths of most of the planets and is divided into 12 star groups or signs
2
: a figure showing the signs of the zodiac
zodiacal adjective
zodiac table
Etymology

Middle English zodiac "zodiac," from Latin zodiacus (same meaning), derived from Greek zōidion "carved or painted figure, sign of the zodiac," from zōion "living being, animal, figure"

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