# constellation

/ˌkɑnstəˈɫeɪʃən/ (US) · /kɒnstɪlˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/constellation
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a group of stars that forms a pattern in the sky and has a name. You can see these shapes at night, like the Big Dipper or Orion.

For teachers: a group of stars forming a recognisable pattern that is traditionally named after its apparent form or identified with a mythological figure.

## Examples

- The Big Dipper is a famous constellation.
- Ancient sailors used the position of each constellation to navigate across the open ocean at night.
- Modern astronomers divide the celestial sphere into eighty-eight official constellations, providing a standardised map that allows researchers to precisely locate and share the coordinates of newly discovered celestial bodies.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the preposition 'of' when describing a group of related things ('a constellation of ideas').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.