zenith

American  

[zee-nith, zen-ith] / ˈzi nɪθ, ˈzɛn ɪθ /

noun

1. the point on the celestial sphere vertically above a given position or observer.

   Antonyms:

   nadir

2. a highest point or state; culmination.

   Synonyms:

   summit, apex

   Antonyms:

   nadir

---

zenith British  

/ ˈziːnɪθ, ˈzɛnɪθ /

noun

1. astronomy the point on the celestial sphere vertically above an observer

2. the highest point; peak; acme

   the zenith of someone's achievements

---

zenith Scientific  

/ zē′nĭth /

1. The point on the celestial sphere that is directly above the observer (90 degrees above the celestial horizon).

2. Compare nadir

---

Other Word Forms

• zenithal adjective

Etymology

Origin of zenith

1350–1400; Middle English cenith < Medieval Latin < Old Spanish zenit, scribal error for zemt < Arabic samt road, incorrectly read as senit by medieval scribes (compare Arabic samt ar-rās road above (over) one's head, the opposite of nadir )

Example Sentences

It did so for the same reason Britain championed free trade when it was at its zenith of industrial power in the 19th century: It knew it was going to win.

From Barron's

Was Liu’s skate the zenith moment from these Milan Cortina Games?

From The Wall Street Journal

Hockey is irresistible theater, and Olympic hockey is its zenith expression.

From The Wall Street Journal

That reputation had reached its zenith by late 2024, when the firm was drawing takeover interest.

From The Wall Street Journal

Standing on a stage and clutching a Grammy as the world watches on is, arguably, the zenith of stardom.

From BBC