orbite
/ɔʁ.bit/feminine
The English phrase "orbit" translates to French as orbite.
The word orbite is a noun used to describe the path of one object traveling around another object. If you wish to use a verb to describe the action of orbiting or moving around the general vicinity of an object, you can use the phrase orbiter autour de.
Meaning: path of one object around another (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun orbite is feminine. This means it is preceded by feminine articles such as l', la or une.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɔʁ.bit/
Did you know?
- The Latin root orbita originally referred to a rut or a track made by a wheel in a road. The word shifted from describing a muddy path on earth to the path of a planet in the heavens.
- In French, the word orbite is also the anatomical term for the eye socket. If a doctor mentions your orbite, they are referring to the bone cavity holding your eye rather than space travel.
- In French, the word orbite can be used to describe the influence of a person or state, such as être dans l'orbite de quelqu'un. This means to be under someone's sway or control.
Examples in context
- Il n’entra pas en orbite terrestre.It didn't enter Earth orbit.This sentence is useful for describing an object not entering terrestrial orbite.Tatoeba #12712366 by Rovo, translation #12712876 by rul
- La fusée est en orbite autour de la Lune.The rocket is in orbit around the moon.This sentence is useful for describing a rocket being in orbite around the moon.Tatoeba #4873816 by Julien_PDC, translation #29381 by CM
- La Terre se déplace en orbite autour du Soleil.The earth travels in an orbit around the sun.This sentence is useful for describing the earth traveling in orbite around the sun.Tatoeba #939877 by sacredceltic, translation #277138 by sacredceltic
- La lune suit une trajectoire elliptique autour de la Terre.The moon follows an elliptical trajectory around the Earth.
- La Terre tourne autour du soleil.The Earth revolves around the sun.
- La Terre gravite autour du soleil.The Earth orbits around the sun.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are looking at a science textbook.
- LéaRegarde cette orbite sur le schéma.Look at this orbit on the diagram.
- HugoElle est très elliptique, n'est-ce pas ?It is very elliptical, isn't it?
- LéaOui, Hugo, c'est fascinant.Yes, Hugo, it is fascinating.
- HugoL'astronomie est passionnante.Astronomy is exciting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “orbit” translations and entries orbite, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries orbite, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
