Word
orb
US/ˈɔɹb/
UK/ˈɔːb/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a round object that is shaped like a ball. It is often used to describe something glowing or beautiful, like the moon or a royal decoration.
n. a spherical body or object. Often used in literary contexts to describe celestial bodies or ceremonial regalia, such as a globus cruciger.
Examples
“The moon was a glowing white orb in the night sky.”
“The king held a golden orb in his left hand during the coronation ceremony to represent his power.”
“As the sun dipped below the horizon, it appeared as a massive crimson orb, casting long and distorted shadows across the silent desert floor.”
Examples
simple
“The moon was a glowing white orb in the night sky.”
contextual
“The king held a golden orb in his left hand during the coronation ceremony to represent his power.”
complex
“As the sun dipped below the horizon, it appeared as a massive crimson orb, casting long and distorted shadows across the silent desert floor.”
Usage
Frequently used in poetic or high-register prose to describe the sun, moon, or eyes.
Real-World Examples
“It was Logan and her two sons, 15-year-old Ivan and 11-year-old Levi, who hid the marble that the Beauchemins were after: an alluring dot-patterned orb created by noted marble maker Eric Spinney.” “A cluster of archangel’s wings bearing books hovers before the vast orb of the sun above a fish-filled sea.” “The Diptyque fragrance is embedded in a ceramic reed that attaches to a beechwood orb.” Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/orb