# Hubble

/ˈhəbəɫ/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

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

## Definition

a very famous and powerful telescope that orbits the Earth. It takes clear pictures of stars and galaxies from space because it is above the clouds and air.

For teachers: a large space-based astronomical observatory launched in 1990 that orbits the Earth. When capitalised, it refers specifically to the Hubble Space Telescope used for deep-space imaging.

## Examples

- The Hubble telescope captured amazing images of distant stars.
- Astronomers used data from the Hubble to determine the rate at which the universe is expanding.
- By operating above the atmospheric distortion that plagues ground-based observatories, the Hubble provided the first high-resolution glimpses into the earliest stages of galactic formation.

## Usage notes

- Usually used as a proper noun with 'the' ('the Hubble') or as a modifier ('the Hubble telescope').

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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.