total eclipse

American  

noun

1. an eclipse in which the surface of the eclipsed body is completely obscured.

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total eclipse British  

noun

1. an eclipse as seen from a particular area of the earth's surface where the eclipsed body is completely hidden Compare annular eclipse partial eclipse

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total eclipse Scientific  

/ tōt′l /

1. An eclipse in which the entire surface of a celestial object is obscured.

2. See more at eclipse

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Etymology

Origin of total eclipse

First recorded in 1665–75

Compare meaning

How does total-eclipse compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• annular vs. total eclipse

Example Sentences

There’s a lot happening—from America’s birthday bash to the World Cup to a total eclipse.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

Celestial enthusiasts across Southern California will have a chance to watch the moon turn red during a total eclipse early Tuesday, but you’ll have to be up before dawn to catch it.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

It’s only during a total eclipse, when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun and covers the photosphere that we are able to see the solar corona, the Sun’s outermost layer.

From BBC • Nov. 26, 2024

An “annulus” of bright sunlight rings the moon, but the spectacular corona isn’t visible as it would be during a total eclipse.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 14, 2024

But after photographs of the 1919 total eclipse showed that light bent as it passed the sun, the facts proved without a doubt that Einstein was right!

From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas