# eclipse

/əˈkɫɪps/ (US) · /ɪklˈɪps/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/eclipse
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. astronomical event

noun · CEFR B2

an occasion when the moon or a planet moves into a position that blocks the light of the sun.

For teachers: the total or partial obscuring of one celestial body by another, typically involving the alignment of the sun, earth, and moon.

- We wore special glasses to watch the solar eclipse safely.
- The total solar eclipse provided a rare opportunity for researchers to observe the sun's corona without the interference of the bright solar disk.

Usage: Often used with the adjectives 'solar' or 'lunar'.

### 2. loss of power or fame

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a time when someone or something becomes less successful, famous, or important.

For teachers: a loss of significance, power, or prominence, often due to the rise of a competitor.

- The sudden eclipse of the empire surprised many historians.
- The rapid eclipse of the traditional manufacturing sector led to widespread economic anxiety in the northern provinces.

### 3. to outshine or surpass

verb · CEFR B2

to be much better or more important than something else, making it seem less significant.

For teachers: to surpass or outshine another in importance, fame, or achievement; to make another entity appear insignificant by comparison.

- Her latest book will likely eclipse all her previous work.
- The athlete's record-breaking performance managed to eclipse the achievements of his predecessors, securing his legacy in the sport.

Usage: This verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

## Examples

- We wore special glasses to watch the solar eclipse.
- Thousands of people traveled to the path of totality to witness the rare total solar eclipse.
- The sudden darkness of the midday eclipse caused the local wildlife to fall silent, as if night had prematurely descended upon the valley.

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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.