Gibbous
adjective
Something that is more than a half circle but less than a full circle. It usually refers to the moon or a planet when it appears larger than a half moon but smaller than a full moon.
The moon tonight is gibbous, meaning it's almost full.
Often appears as...
- gibbous moon
- waxing gibbous
Usage tips
Academic
adjective
Something bulging or curved outward.
The gibbous surface of the old, dilapidated football makes it difficult to kick properly.
Often appears as...
- gibbous surface
- gibbous shape
Usage tips
Informal
adjective
Something that is more than a half circle but less than a full circle. It usually refers to the moon or a planet when it appears larger than a half moon but smaller than a full moon.
The moon tonight is gibbous, meaning it's almost full.
Often appears as...
- gibbous moon
- waxing gibbous
Usage tips
Academic
adjective
Something bulging or curved outward.
The gibbous surface of the old, dilapidated football makes it difficult to kick properly.
Often appears as...
- gibbous surface
- gibbous shape
Usage tips
Informal
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Astronomical Usage
Use 'gibbous' to describe the moon or planets when discussing astronomy. It signals specific lunar phases.
Astronomers say the gibbous moon signifies a phase that is ¾ complete.
Pro Tip 2/3Poetic Imagery
Writers use 'gibbous' to evoke vivid imagery or describe the moon in creative writing.
The poet wrote about a silver gibbous moon hanging low in the night sky.
Pro Tip 3/3Waxing and Waning
'Gibbous' often combines with 'waning' or 'waxing' to show whether the moon is shrinking or growing.
The waxing gibbous phase comes before a full moon.
Pro Tip 1/3Astronomical Usage
Use 'gibbous' to describe the moon or planets when discussing astronomy. It signals specific lunar phases.
Astronomers say the gibbous moon signifies a phase that is ¾ complete.
Pro Tip 2/3Poetic Imagery
Writers use 'gibbous' to evoke vivid imagery or describe the moon in creative writing.
The poet wrote about a silver gibbous moon hanging low in the night sky.
Pro Tip 3/3Waxing and Waning
'Gibbous' often combines with 'waning' or 'waxing' to show whether the moon is shrinking or growing.
The waxing gibbous phase comes before a full moon.
Pro Tip 1/3Astronomical Usage
Use 'gibbous' to describe the moon or planets when discussing astronomy. It signals specific lunar phases.
Astronomers say the gibbous moon signifies a phase that is ¾ complete.
Pro Tip 2/3Poetic Imagery
Writers use 'gibbous' to evoke vivid imagery or describe the moon in creative writing.
The poet wrote about a silver gibbous moon hanging low in the night sky.
Pro Tip 3/3Waxing and Waning
'Gibbous' often combines with 'waning' or 'waxing' to show whether the moon is shrinking or growing.
The waxing gibbous phase comes before a full moon.
Never forget "Gibbous"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
Video examples
Safari Live - Day 162 PIPE...
do you start I start on the moon and then you can go the other side to the Sun so look at that it's heading towards full moon it's maybe a night or two and we're gonna have full moon and that is on waxing gibbous as we would say the
Video examples
Safari Live - Day 162 PIPE...
do you start I start on the moon and then you can go the other side to the Sun so look at that it's heading towards full moon it's maybe a night or two and we're gonna have full moon and that is on waxing gibbous as we would say the
Example 1 of 1
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension