sublunary

[ suhb-loo-ner-ee, suhb-loo-nuh-ree ]

adjective

1. situated beneath the moon or between the earth and the moon.
2. characteristic of or pertaining to the earth; terrestrial.
3. mundane or worldly:

   fleeting, sublunary pleasure.

sublunary

/ sʌbˈluːnərɪ /

adjective

1. situated between the moon and the earth
2. of or relating to the earth or world

Word History and Origins

Origin of sublunary¹

1585–95; < Late Latin sublūn ( āris ) ( sub-, lunar ) + -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of sublunary¹

C16: via Late Latin, from Latin sub- + lūna moon

Example Sentences

It has been subject, as all sublunary Things are, to great Revolutions and Misfortunes.

From Project Gutenberg

This marked a preconcerted moment—for the remote celestial phenomenon had been pressed into sublunary service as a lover's signal.

From Project Gutenberg

“But here am I talking about these sublunary affairs, when the eclipse will be beginning,” cried Vibert.

From Project Gutenberg

Swithin sighed, lowered his thoughts to sublunary things, and told briefly the story of his journey.

From Project Gutenberg

Patiently to earn a spare bare living, and quietly to die, untouched by workhouse hands—this was her highest sublunary hope.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• earthly
• earthy
• mundane
• practical
• secular
• temporal