# Pluto

/ˈpɫutoʊ/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. dwarf planet

noun · CEFR B1

a dwarf planet in our solar system that used to be called the ninth planet.

For teachers: the largest known dwarf planet in the Kuiper belt, classified as a planet from its discovery in 1930 until 2006.

- Scientists used to teach children that Pluto was the furthest planet from the sun.
- The reclassification of Pluto as a dwarf planet sparked significant public debate and forced a revision of many astronomy textbooks.

### 2. ancient god

noun · CEFR B2

the Roman god who ruled the world of the dead.

For teachers: the Roman god of the underworld, equivalent to the Greek god Hades.

- In old stories, Pluto lived in a dark kingdom under the earth.
- Classical literature often depicts Pluto as a stern but just ruler of the souls who have passed into the afterlife.

### 3. cartoon character

noun · CEFR B1

a famous cartoon dog created by Disney who is Mickey Mouse's pet.

For teachers: a popular animated character from the Disney franchise, typically portrayed as a non-speaking pet dog.

- My children love watching Pluto chase after balls in the old cartoons.
- Unlike many other Disney characters, Pluto remains a quadrupedal animal and does not wear clothes or speak.

### 4. to demote

verb · CEFR C2 · Informal · American English

to lower the rank or importance of something, just like the planet was demoted.

For teachers: to demote or devalue someone or something; a neologism inspired by the reclassification of the planet Pluto.

- The company decided to pluto my favorite project because it was too expensive.
- After the scandal, the board members voted to pluto the executive, stripping him of his title and moving him to a smaller office.

Usage: The verb is transitive and usually takes a direct object.

Teaching tip: This is a very modern, niche term. Most learners should use 'demote' or 'downgrade' instead.

## Examples

- Pluto is much smaller than the Earth's moon.
- In 2006, astronomers reclassified Pluto as a dwarf planet because it has not cleared its neighboring region of other objects.
- The New Horizons mission provided the first high-resolution images of Pluto, revealing a surprisingly complex surface of nitrogen ice mountains and a vast, heart-shaped plain.

---

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.