Ursa Major

noun

Ur·​sa Ma·​jor ˌər-sə-ˈmā-jər 

: a constellation that is the most conspicuous of the northern constellations, is situated near the north pole of the heavens, and contains the stars forming the Big Dipper two of which are in a line indicating the direction of the North Star

called also Great Bear

Examples of Ursa Major in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ursa Major pointed out that the engine’s innovation and success have set a new standard for agile, cost-effective propulsion in defense and commercial sectors. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026

Astronomers now think that this Ursa Major Arc may be a shock wave from an explosion or a supernova that happened over 100,000 years ago. —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 27 Apr. 2026

This time of year, the Big Dipper, which serves as the rear end and tail of the constellation Ursa Major or the Big Bear, is hanging nearly upside down in the high north-northeast sky. —Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2026

Sam Sutcliffe and Jasmin Karibzhanova of Ursa Major Films are co-financing alongside Nicholas Chepesiuk of Gabardine, Telefilm Canada and Mongrel Media, with WME Independent and CAA Media Finance co-repping the film for sales. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin (genitive Ursae Majoris), literally, greater bear

First Known Use

circa 1627, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Ursa Major

• ager
• gauger
• pager
• stager
• wager
• yager
• teenager

Kids Definition

Ursa Major

noun

Ur·​sa Ma·​jor ˌər-sə-ˈmā-jər 

: the northern group of stars that is the easiest to pick out, is located near the north pole of the heavens, and contains the stars forming the Big Dipper two of which are in a line pointing in the direction of the North Star

called also Great Bear