zenith

American  

[zee-nith, zen-ith] / ˈzi nɪθ, ˈzɛn ɪθ /

noun

1. the point on the celestial sphere vertically above a given position or observer.

   Antonyms:

   nadir

2. a highest point or state; culmination.

   Synonyms:

   summit, apex

   Antonyms:

   nadir

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zenith British  

/ ˈziːnɪθ, ˈzɛnɪθ /

noun

1. astronomy the point on the celestial sphere vertically above an observer

2. the highest point; peak; acme

   the zenith of someone's achievements

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zenith Scientific  

/ zē′nĭth /

1. The point on the celestial sphere that is directly above the observer (90 degrees above the celestial horizon).

2. Compare nadir

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Other Word Forms

• zenithal adjective

Etymology

Origin of zenith

1350–1400; Middle English cenith < Medieval Latin < Old Spanish zenit, scribal error for zemt < Arabic samt road, incorrectly read as senit by medieval scribes (compare Arabic samt ar-rās road above (over) one's head, the opposite of nadir )

Example Sentences

Was Liu’s skate the zenith moment from these Milan Cortina Games?

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

Standing on a stage and clutching a Grammy as the world watches on is, arguably, the zenith of stardom.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026

Her musical zenith came thanks to hit songs “Jolene,” “Here You Come Again,” and “9 to 5,” the title track from the 1980 film where Parton also made her screen debut.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026

In much of the country, demand begins to bloom in late January through February, accelerates in March and April, and reaches its zenith in May and June.

From Barron's • Jan. 6, 2026

As Hazel still went up, the south wind began to blow and the June sunset reddened the sky to the zenith.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams