globe

American  

[glohb] / gloʊb /

noun

• globes
  plural

1. Usually the globe the planet Earth.

2. a planet or other celestial body.

3. a sphere on which is depicted a map of the earth terrestrial globe or of the heavens celestial globe.

4. a spherical body; sphere.

5. anything more or less spherical, as a lampshade or a glass fishbowl.

6. a golden ball traditionally borne as an emblem of sovereignty; orb.

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verb (used with object)

globed, globing

1. to form into a globe.

verb (used without object)

globed, globing

1. to take the form of a globe.

globe British  

/ ɡləʊb /

noun

1. a sphere on which a map of the world or the heavens is drawn or represented

2. the world; the earth

3. a planet or some other astronomical body

4. an object shaped like a sphere, such as a glass lampshade or fish-bowl

5. an electric light bulb

6. an orb, usually of gold, symbolic of authority or sovereignty

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verb

1. to form or cause to form into a globe

Usage

What does globe mean? The word globe most generally refers to a sphere—a ball-like shape or object. Something globe-shaped can be described as globular, which means the same thing as spherical. More specifically, a globe is a three-dimensional model of Earth. (There are also globes representing the moon and other planets, but globes of Earth are most common.) These kinds of globes are associated with their use in classrooms for the subject of geography. The phrase the globe is another way of saying the world or the planet in reference to Earth, as in His name was known in almost every corner of the globe. Example: I started my travels around the globe by spinning a globe and pointing to a random destination.

Synonym Usage

See earth.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• globelike
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• globes
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of globe

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Middle French globe, from Latin globus “round body, ball, sphere”

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Explanation

A globe doesn't have to be a spherical representation of our planet; it can be anything shaped like one — like a soccer ball or a gumball. Referring to a round shape, globe is often used interchangeably with sphere, though sphere has another meaning of an area of particular interest or a segment of a particular population. Globe is also another name for planet Earth itself, our lovely third rock from the sun — as in "viewers are tuning in from around the globe."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

globe globes globed globing

Since World War II, Washington has used a network of bases around the globe to protect its allies and keep rival powers in check.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 12, 2026

BBC journalist Tabby Wilson visits one of Australia’s most famous Jacaranda photo spots and speaks to visitors who have traveled from across the globe to see the blooms.

From BBC ● Nov. 10, 2026

ISO brings together experts from across the globe to help agree on the proper way all sorts of things should be made or managed.

From Slate ● Nov. 8, 2026

Pandas are "animals that have got a unique ability to inspire curiosity, instill passion, evoke joy, and unite people around the globe," CEO Raymond King told onlookers at Zoo Atlanta.

From Barron's ● Nov. 7, 2026

Now Frank was back in Greece, which meant that the Zhang family had completely circled the globe.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

He was often photographed posing alongside elaborate globes.

From Barron's ● Oct. 22, 2026

He would study maps and globes, picturing the people and animals who call the coldest reaches of the Earth home.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 17, 2026

At one of the stalls selling snow globes are locals Nemer and Leila Awad, who say the markets remind them of Europe.

From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2025

Available in a variety of forms, from audacious “dinner plate”-size blooms to petite globes of tightly packed petals and everything in between, it’s no wonder dahlias are popular with flower farmers and home gardeners alike.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 27, 2024

Pong looked up at the ripe fruits, swinging beside the globes of glowing Gold glass.

From "A Wish in the Dark" by Christina Soontornvat

Art Deco touches inform outdoor marquees, globed chandeliers, and vintage Audubon wallpaper is glinting with pink birds.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 26, 2024

The Peter Kiewit Foundation no longer is funding the maintenance of Abbott Drive, which includes the so-called String of Pearls - globed lights that line a stretch of the thoroughfare.

From Washington Times ● Jan. 10, 2019

Donors have long paid for the so-called String of Pearls entrance, which features globed lights that line a stretch of Abbott Drive.

From Washington Times ● Dec. 10, 2018

A branch bounces, and out pops a Titi monkey with black, globed eyes and a pewter-colored beard.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the back of the room was a marble fireplace, big as a sepulchre, and a globed gasolier—dripping with prisms and strings of crystal beading—sparkled in the dim.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

I seemed conscious only of a shaft of light, as it were, traversing the darkness and globing itself in a steady disc of radiance on a lonely door.

From At a Winter's Fire by Bernard Edward Joseph Capes

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Related Words

• map
• planet
• world

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