gibbous

adjective

Save Word

gib·bous | \ ˈji-bəs

, ˈgi-

Definition of gibbous

1a : marked by convexity or swelling

b of the moon or a planet : seen with more than half but not all of the apparent disk illuminated

2 : having a hump : humpbacked

Did you know? Example Sentences Learn More About gibbous

Examples of gibbous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web An 82%-lit waning gibbous Moon will be between Saturn and Jupiter. — Jamie Carter, Forbes, 10 July 2022 Tonight the waxing gibbous Moon will be close to Antares, the brightest star in the constellation of Scorpius. — Jamie Carter, Forbes, 3 July 2022 Through binoculars or a telescope, a small gibbous appears: a mostly full Venus. — Ethan Siegel, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2021 This year’s peak will take place under an unfavorable gibbous moon, but the shower should be strong enough for sky watchers to see some meteors. — oregonlive, 2 Jan. 2022 The moon is unfortunately in a waxing gibbous phase on peak night, meaning that much of the moon will be visible. — Megan Marples, CNN, 16 Nov. 2021 However, the waning gibbous Moon—tonight 98%-lit—will blot-out all but the very brightest bits of the great comet. — Jamie Carter, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2021 According to Olson’s astronomical model, the moon on August 20, 1817 would have been in what's known as the waxing gibbous phase—when more than half of the orb is light, but it is capped with a crescent of darkness. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, 3 July 2017 See More

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