asteroid belt

American  

[as-tuh-roid belt] / ˈæs təˌrɔɪd ˌbɛlt /

noun

Astronomy.

1. the region in space between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, containing the greatest population of asteroids in our solar system: comprising about half the mass of the asteroid belt are its four largest asteroids, namely, Ceres, Pallas, Vesta, and Hygieia.

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asteroid belt Cultural  

1. A region of the solar system between the orbits of the planets Mars and Jupiter. Most asteroids are found in the asteroid belt.

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Etymology

Origin of asteroid belt

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Mr. Kshatriya describes the moon as a pit stop on “the great odyssey to Mars”—and then “to the asteroid belt and to the Jovian moons.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

In their simulations, the asteroid was struck at speeds typical for the asteroid belt, about three miles per second.

From Science Daily • Mar. 17, 2026

By looking at its path through space, astronomers think that 2024 YR4 must have originated from the main asteroid belt.

From Space Scoop • May 7, 2025

The asteroid, which scientists refer to as 2024 PT5, hails from the Arjuna asteroid belt, which contains rocks that follow an orbit quite similar to Earth’s.

From BBC • Sep. 25, 2024

The asteroid belt is a great grinding mill, producing smaller and smaller pieces down to motes of dust.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan