# globe

/ˈɡɫoʊb/ (US) · /ɡlˈəʊb/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/globe
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. model of the Earth

noun · CEFR B1

a round model of the Earth with a map on it.

For teachers: a spherical representation of the Earth, typically mounted on an axle to allow rotation.

- The teacher spun the globe to show the students where Australia is located.
- The library houses a rare seventeenth-century globe that depicts California as an island, reflecting the geographical misconceptions of the era.

### 2. the Earth

noun · CEFR B2

the planet Earth, especially when talking about things that happen everywhere.

For teachers: the planet Earth, often used in the context of global systems, travel, or environmental issues.

- Climate change is a problem that affects every country on the globe.
- The company has expanded its operations across the globe, establishing regional headquarters in every major financial hub.

### 3. a round object

noun · CEFR B2

any object that is shaped like a ball.

For teachers: any body or object having the shape of a sphere.

- The ceiling was decorated with beautiful glass globes that held small candles.
- The scientist observed the liquid forming into tiny globes as it floated in the zero-gravity environment of the space station.

### 4. a light bulb

noun · CEFR B2 · British English · Dialect

a glass bulb that produces light.

For teachers: an incandescent or LED light bulb.

- The kitchen light went out, so I need to buy a new globe.
- He climbed the ladder to replace the blown globe in the hallway, careful not to drop the fragile glass casing.

Teaching tip: This usage is primarily found in Australian and South African English; most other English speakers use 'bulb'.

### 5. to become round

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

to form into the shape of a ball.

For teachers: to take on or be formed into a spherical shape.

- The water started to globe on the surface of the leaf after the rain.
- In his poetry, he describes how the morning dew begins to globe upon the petals, catching the first rays of the sun.

## Examples

- The teacher pointed to Brazil on the classroom globe.
- Environmental scientists are tracking how rising temperatures affect different regions across the globe.
- The rapid expansion of digital infrastructure has effectively shrunk the globe, allowing for instantaneous communication between the most remote geographic outposts.

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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.