1 constellate | Definition of constellate
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constellate

verb
con·​stel·​late | \ ˈkän(t)-stə-ˌlāt How to pronounce constellate (audio) \
constellated; constellating

Definition of constellate

transitive verb

1 : to unite in a cluster
2 : to set or adorn with or as if with constellations

intransitive verb

: cluster
Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about constellate

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Did You Know?

It's plain that constellate is related to constellation, and, indeed, things that "constellate" (or "are constellated") cluster together like stars in a constellation. Both words derive ultimately from the Latin word for "star," which is stella. Constellation (which came to us by way of Middle French from Late Latin constellation-, constellatio) entered the language first-it dates to at least the 14th century. Constellate didn't appear until a full 300 years later.

Examples of constellate in a Sentence

the museum has constellated many of the artist's most glorious paintings into one stunning exhibition

Recent Examples on the Web

 Kathleen Shafer tells Judd’s story, and constellating stories about art, history, landscape, weather, the mysterious Marfa lights, economics, sociology and, of course, real estate. — Willard Spiegelman, WSJ, "Review: Magical ‘Marfa,’ the Mecca for Art Lovers," 15 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'constellate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of constellate

1643, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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More from Merriam-Webster on constellate

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with constellate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for constellate

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