jupiter

IPA/ˈdʒuːpɪtə(r)/
KK[dʒˈupətɚ]IPA/ˈdʒuːpɪtər/

jupiter — noun

1. the fifth planet from the Sun and the largest one in our solar system.

1.nounA2
Definition

the fifth planet from the Sun and the largest one in our solar system.

Example

Felix used binoculars to find Jupiter above the dark eastern hills.

find Jupiter in the night sky

Our science teacher said Jupiter has dozens of moons and giant storms.

Jupiter has moons and giant storms

Common collocations
  • planet Jupiter
  • Jupiter's moons
  • Jupiter's clouds
  • observe Jupiter
  • orbit Jupiter

Grammar Patterns

Jupiter + verb (third person singular)

on Jupiter

Jupiter's moons

Usage Note

Usually written with a capital J when it names the planet. In science contexts, Jupiter is classed as a gas giant rather than a rocky planet.

Common Mistakes

Jupiter is the brightest star in the night sky.
Jupiter is a bright planet in the night sky.
Jupiter is a planet, not a star.

2. in Roman mythology, the highest god, linked with the sky, thunder, and power ove

2.nounB1
Definition

in Roman mythology, the highest god, linked with the sky, thunder, and power over the divine world.

Example

The guide pointed to a temple built for Jupiter on the old hill.

collocation: temple built for Jupiter

In the story, Jupiter punished the king after a broken promise.

Jupiter as a ruler who punishes

Common collocations
  • god Jupiter
  • temple of Jupiter
  • statue of Jupiter
  • pray to Jupiter
  • Jupiter and Juno
Synonyms
  • Zeus

    the Greek god with a similar role, but from Greek rather than Roman mythology

Grammar Patterns

pray to Jupiter

temple of Jupiter

statue of Jupiter

Usage Note

Always capitalized in this mythological sense. Jupiter is the Roman counterpart of Zeus, so use 'Zeus' when the story or artwork is specifically Greek.

Common Mistakes

Jupiter is the Greek god of thunder.
Jupiter is the Roman god of thunder.
The Greek god with the closest role is Zeus.

Word family

Etymology

LatinEnglish

Jupiter comes from the Latin name Iuppiter, the chief god in Roman religion. English later used the same name for the huge planet, linking the brightest and most powerful Roman god with the largest planet in the sky.

First known use

13th century

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1