Solstice

Saturday, June 21, 2025
Word of the Day

What is Solstice?

noun
Either of the two times in the year when the sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator, resulting in the longest or shortest day.

Pronunciation

US pronunciation: /ˈsɒl.stɪs/
UK pronunciation: /ˈsɒl.stɪs/
Slow pronunciation: SOL-stiss

Meaning Explained

Solstice names the hinge of the year—when daylight peaks and cultures celebrate turning points.

Why This Word?

Chosen for the June solstice in the northern hemisphere.

Examples of Use

Here's how this word appears in everyday language:

  • They hosted a solstice supper at dusk.
  • In some latitudes the solstice barely shifts daylight.
  • Solstice ceremonies braided past and present.

Word Origins

Latin solstitium "sun-standing," from sol "sun" + stare "to stand"

Associated rituals span from stone circles to city festivals.

First appearance in English: Middle English

Word Family

Related forms of this word:

  • Noun: equinox

    The equinox balances day and night.

  • Noun: zenith

    At noon the sun neared its zenith.

  • Noun: azimuth

    They tracked the sunrise azimuth.

Around the World

How this word appears in other languages:

  • Spanish: solsticio
  • French: solstice
  • German: Sonnenwende
  • Italian: solstizio
  • Portuguese: solstício

If you Already Know This Word

If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:

Equinox

Equal day/night; solstice is maximum or minimum daylight.

Aphelion

Earth farthest from sun; not identical to solstice.

Canicular

Dog days post-solstice; climatic, not astronomical.

Fun Facts

  • "Solstice" literally means the sun seems to stand still.
  • The date varies slightly due to leap-year corrections.

Cultural Usage

  • Monuments align to solstice sunrise or sunset.
  • Festivals mark the midsummer solstice worldwide.

Common Mistakes

Not "equinox," which equalizes day and night.

Micro Story

Crowds gathered to greet the solstice sunrise atop the ridge.