Quick answer
Orrery means a mechanical model of the solar system showing the movements of planets around the sun. It is usually pronounced , and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Orrery
Orrery means a mechanical model of the solar system showing the movements of planets around the sun. It belongs to odd objects and contraptions and works best in describing tools, curiosities, and mysterious things with personality. It is still understandable today, but it usually sounds more vivid and deliberate than ordinary modern vocabulary.
At a glance
astronomydevicesmodels
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, orrery refers to a mechanical model of the solar system showing the movements of planets around the sun. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Orrery feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Orrery is generally traced to origin uncertain. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Orrery is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
Example sentences
- The column dismissed the whole rumor as orrery.
- In the novel, one orrery is enough to derail the dinner party.
- She used orrery in the essay because the plain modern word felt too bland.
- The teacher paused to explain orrery before asking the class to use it in context.
- They kept repeating orrery because the sound of it was almost as memorable as the meaning.
When should you use this word?
Use orrery when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in describing tools, curiosities, and mysterious things with personality.
Similar words
abacus, apparatus, astrolabe, bricabrac, carafe
Opposite or contrasting words
simplicity, plain tool, straightforward device
Common questions
- What does orrery mean? a mechanical model of the solar system showing the movements of planets around the sun.
- How do you pronounce orrery? It is commonly pronounced .
- Is orrery still used today? Orrery is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
- When should you use orrery? Use orrery when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in describing tools, curiosities, and mysterious things with personality.
- What words are similar to orrery? Similar words include abacus, apparatus, astrolabe, and bricabrac.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.