perigee

noun

peri·​gee ˈper-ə-(ˌ)jē 

: the point in the orbit of an object (such as a satellite) orbiting the earth that is nearest to the center of the earth

also : the point nearest a planet or a satellite (such as the moon) reached by an object orbiting it compare apogee

perigean

ˌper-ə-ˈjē-ən 

adjective

Examples of perigee in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sometimes the Moon’s perigee, or nearest point to Earth, is closer than average. —Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2026

Prior to the translunar injection, the crew completed a perigee raise burn to position the spacecraft in the correct orbital geometry for the maneuver, ensuring the engine firing would place Orion precisely on its intended path. —Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026

The crew later performed a second perigee burn the morning after launch, using Orion’s main engine, in order to further refine its trajectory toward the moon, NASA said. —Briana Alvarado, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026

That altitude will eventually allow the astronauts to prepare Orion for a maneuver to raise the vehicle's perigee – an astronomical term referring to the point at which an object is nearest to Earth in its continuous orbit. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, from New Latin perigeum, from Greek perigeion, from neuter of perigeios near the earth, from peri- + gē earth

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

perigee

noun

peri·​gee ˈper-ə-jē 

: the point nearest a planet (as the earth) or other body (as a moon) reached by an object orbiting it compare apogee