solar

¹ American  

[soh-ler] / ˈsoʊ lər /

adjective

1. of or relating to the sun.

   solar phenomena.

2. determined by the sun.

   solar hour.

3. proceeding from the sun, as light or heat.

4. utilizing, operated by, or depending on solar energy.

   a solar building;

   a solar stove.

5. indicating time by means of or with reference to the sun.

   a solar chronometer.

6. manufacturing or providing solar power.

   the solar industry.

7. Astrology. subject to the influence of the sun.

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noun

1. Informal. solar energy.

solar ² American  

[sol-er, soh-ler] / ˈsɒl ər, ˈsoʊ lər /

Also soller

noun

1. a private or upper chamber in a medieval English house.

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solar British  

/ ˈsəʊlə /

adjective

1. of or relating to the sun

   solar eclipse

2. operating by or utilizing the energy of the sun

   solar cell

3. astronomy determined from the motion of the earth relative to the sun

   solar year

4. astrology subject to the influence of the sun

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solar Scientific  

/ sō′lər /

1. Relating to the Sun.

2. Using or operated by energy from the Sun.

3. Measured in reference to the Sun.

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Etymology

Origin of solar¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin sōlāris, equivalent to sōl + -āris adjective suffix; see origin at sun, -ar ¹

Origin of solar²

First recorded before 900; Middle English solar, soler, from Old English solor, soler, and Anglo-French soler, Old French solier, from Latin sōlārium solarium

Explanation

Does it come from the sun? Is it related to the sunshine? Does it depend on sunny rays of light to function? Then it's probably safe to call it solar. The ancient Egyptians worshiped the sun god Ra, shaping their lives around the sun's golden rays and even following a solar calendar. Today sun worship is experiencing a renaissance, as more and more people become interested in harnessing the big star's power for "solar energy." Whatever way you decide to partake in solar enjoyment, just remember to wear sunblock.

Example Sentences

For years, the world has worried about China flooding global markets with electric vehicles, solar panels, batteries, steel and consumer electronics.

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

These invisible forces influence major cosmic events and processes, including solar storms, the movement of high energy particles, and even galaxy formation.

From Science Daily • May 26, 2026

Next, Nasa wants to build nuclear and solar power facilities on the Moon, including fission reactors.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

Its initial public offering last week was a success, reflecting that geothermal energy is an always-available “baseload” power, unlike more intermittent sources such as wind and solar.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

There’s a fireplace with a small fire crackling, and a few lamps—powered by our solar panels—throwing off a warm glow.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy

Related Words

• cosmic