# zodiac

/ˈzoʊdiˌæk/ (US) · /zˈəʊdɪˌæk/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. astrology and constellations

noun · CEFR B2

the twelve signs, like Aries or Leo, that people use in astrology to talk about their personality or the future.

For teachers: the twelve equal divisions of the celestial sphere, each named after a constellation, used primarily in astrology to determine horoscopes.

- She checked her horoscope to see what the zodiac predicted for her week.
- In Western astrology, the zodiac is divided into twelve signs, starting with Aries at the vernal equinox.

### 2. astronomy

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the area in the sky that the sun, moon, and planets seem to move through during the year.

For teachers: the belt-like region of the celestial sphere extending approximately eight degrees on either side of the ecliptic.

- Astronomers study the planets as they move through the path of the zodiac.
- The planets remain within the boundaries of the zodiac because their orbits are nearly coplanar with that of the Earth.

### 3. inflatable boat

noun · CEFR B2

a strong, inflatable rubber boat often used by the military or for exploring the ocean.

For teachers: a heavy-duty inflatable boat, typically with a rigid hull, used for professional or recreational maritime activities.

- The researchers jumped into the zodiac to reach the whales in the bay.
- The expedition team deployed a fleet of zodiacs to navigate the shallow, icy waters near the glacier's edge.

Usage: Often capitalized as 'Zodiac' because it originated as a brand name, though it is frequently used as a common noun.

## Examples

- What is your sign of the zodiac?
- Ancient astronomers used the zodiac to track the movement of the sun and planets throughout the year.
- While modern astronomy treats the zodiac as a specific celestial coordinate system, popular culture primarily engages with it through the lens of horoscopes and personality archetypes.

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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.