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; 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

And on April 6, they also witnessed a 54-minute solar eclipse as their capsule continued on its orbit.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026

Even silver has more uses than gold, as a component in solar panels, medical devices and electric vehicles, for example.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Britain's use of renewables, such as wind and solar, has increased massively in recent decades and major upgrades to the national electricity grid are needed to carry the power generated from these sources.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Over the past 15 years, lead-halide perovskites have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation solar cells.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

I imagined the roof lined with solar panels, laid out like a deck of cards.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

Related Words

• cosmic