orb

American  

[awrb] / ɔrb /

noun

1. a sphere or globe.

   a Christmas tree hung with brightly colored orbs.

2. the eyeball or eye.

   He looks with blind orbs on an indifferent world.

3. any of the heavenly bodies, as the sun or moon.

   He lay on the grass, warmed by that orb of day, the sun.

4. a globe bearing a cross; the mound or emblem of sovereignty, especially as part of the regalia of England.

5. Astrology. the number of degrees from exactness within which an aspect operates.

6. a circle or something circular.

7. Astronomy. (formerly) the orbit of a heavenly body.

8. the earth.

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verb (used with object)

1. to form into a circle or sphere.

2. Archaic. to encircle; enclose.

verb (used without object)

1. to move in an orbit.

2. to form into an orb or globe; round out.

orb British  

/ ɔːb /

noun

1. (in royal regalia) an ornamental sphere surmounted by a cross, representing the power of a sovereign

2. a sphere; globe

3. poetic another word for eye 1

4. obsolete

   1. a celestial body, esp the earth or sun

   2. the orbit of a celestial body

5. an archaic word for circle

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verb

1. to make or become circular or spherical

2. (tr) an archaic word for encircle

Usage

What does orb mean? An orb is an object shaped like a sphere or globe. We call most globe-shaped things balls or spheres. Orb is usually reserved for more poetic uses, or to convey a fantastical or sci-fi feel—a UFO might be described as an orb, for example. Example: The movie shows the aliens traveling in an orb of light.

Other Word Forms

• orbless
  adjective
• orblike
  adjective
• unorbed
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of orb

First recorded in 1520–30, orb is from the Latin word orbis circle, disk, orb

Explanation

An orb is a ball-shaped object. You might be inspired to write a poem about the full moon in which you describe it as "a glowing orb." The sun, moon, marbles, grapes — all of these have been described (particularly by poets) as orbs. Your round gold earrings, your dog's favorite tennis ball, and a grapefruit before you cut it in half can be called orbs too, because they're all spherical in shape. The Latin source, orbem, means "circle, disk, ring, or hoop," and is probably related to orbita, "wheel track or rut."

Example Sentences

With all the evidence combined, scientists concluded that the "golden orb" was not an egg, sponge, or unknown organism.

From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026

Knowing approximately when to head home for the day could be guessed by examining nature—even by looking at a sheep’s pupils, which go from a rectangular slit to a wide orb as the light fades.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Can you look into your glowing orb and tell the rest of us what’s coming?

From Slate • Mar. 3, 2026

At dusk, worshippers stood waist-deep in the river's brown waters to offer prayers to the sun god Surya as the setting orb sank into the haze blanketing New Delhi's skyline, marking the annual Chhath festival.

From Barron's • Oct. 27, 2025

A glass orb the size of a watermelon hung suspended over the silver prongs of the barge’s motor.

From "A Wish in the Dark" by Christina Soontornvat

Related Words

• sphere