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

Google this year paid $4.75 billion to acquire Intersect, a wind and solar developer that in recent years pivoted to building such projects to support data centers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

Simon Featherstone, co-chair of the Otford Society, said the project was designed to allow visitors to "visualise the sheer vastness of our solar system".

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

Plug-in solar has long been popular in Europe, but rising energy costs and a raft of new state laws are boosting its popularity in the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

Capital-intensive sectors relying on future cash flows, like solar, are vulnerable to higher interest rates, unlike utilities, which rose 0.9%.

From Barron's • Jun. 6, 2026

Over the past few months Kelton’s family has assembled an over-the-top surveillance system, set up a mini greenhouse in their side yard, and lined their entire roof with some kind of unregistered, off-grid solar panels.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Related Words

• cosmic