venus

IPA/ˈviːnəs/
KK[vˈinəs]IPA/ˈviːnəs/

venus — noun

1. the second-closest planet to the Sun, orbiting just inside Earth's orbit. It shi

1.nounA2
Definition

the second-closest planet to the Sun, orbiting just inside Earth's orbit. It shines very brightly in the night sky and is often called the evening star or the morning star.

Example

Venus is often the first bright object you see in the evening sky after sunset.

common context: visible in evening sky after sunset

Scientists have sent space probes to study the thick clouds that surround Venus.

collocation: clouds that surround Venus

Common collocations
  • surface of Venus
  • atmosphere of Venus
  • Venus rises
  • Venus sets
  • on Venus
  • study Venus
  • observe Venus

Grammar Patterns

Venus + verb (third person singular)

on Venus

of Venus

Usage Note

Venus is referred to as Earth's 'sister planet' because of its similar size and mass. Unlike most planets, it rotates in the opposite direction of Earth and most other planets.

Common Mistakes

Venus is the brightest star in the sky.
Venus is the brightest planet in the sky.
Venus is a planet, not a star, though it looks like a very bright star.

2. in ancient Roman stories, the goddess of beauty, love, and desire. She was one o

2.nounB1
Definition

in ancient Roman stories, the goddess of beauty, love, and desire. She was one of the most important Roman gods and is similar to the Greek goddess Aphrodite.

Example

Venus brought a marble statue to life when the man who carved it prayed for true love.

myth episode: Venus grants a sculptor's wish

Karim saw a marble statue of Venus in the museum.

collocation: statue of Venus

Common collocations
  • goddess Venus
  • statue of Venus
  • temple of Venus
  • worship Venus
  • Venus and Mars
Synonyms
  • Aphrodite

    the Greek equivalent of Venus; when referring to Greek mythology, use Aphrodite instead of Venus

Grammar Patterns

the goddess Venus

of Venus

to Venus

Usage Note

Venus was associated with love, beauty, fertility, and victory. Her Greek equivalent is Aphrodite. The name 'Venus' is still used in poetry and art to represent ideal beauty.

Common Mistakes

Venus is the Greek goddess of love.
Venus is the Roman goddess of love.
Venus is a Roman goddess; the equivalent Greek goddess is Aphrodite.

Word family

  • Venusian
    adjectiveC1
  • venereal
    adjectiveC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

Venus and Aphrodite refer to the same divine figure in different mythological traditions. Venus is the Roman name, while Aphrodite is the Greek name. The two goddesses share many stories and attributes — both represent love, beauty, fertility, and desire. However, Venus was also associated with victory and the Roman state, reflecting the practical, military-minded nature of Roman culture. In English usage, 'Venus' is the more common name in general contexts (such as astronomy and references to the planet), while 'Aphrodite' is preferred when specifically discussing Greek myths or art. Both terms appear in poetry and classical literature, but 'Venus' also lives on in everyday language through expressions like 'a Venus' meaning a very beautiful woman. A speaker might say 'The painting depicts the birth of Venus' (Roman context) but 'Aphrodite's beauty sparked the Trojan War' (Greek context).

Aphrodite ↗goddess ↗deity ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • Venus and Mars
  • the planet Venus
  • the goddess Venus
  • statue of Venus
  • temple of Venus
  • surface of Venus
  • atmosphere of Venus

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld EnglishEnglish

The name Venus comes from Latin, where it meant 'love, beauty, charm.' The Romans named the brightest planet after their goddess of love and beauty. The Greek version of the goddess is Aphrodite. In English, the planet was called Venus from Old English times, though early astronomers sometimes called it the 'evening star' or 'morning star' because it appears at those times.