Search Dictionary
Definition of earthrise

earthrise

/ˈɜːrθ.raɪz/
earth · rise
Plural:earthrises
JUMP TO:

earthrise Lexical Profile

earthrise Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The apparent rising of the Earth above the horizon of the Moon or another celestial body, as viewed from its surface or from an orbiting spacecraft.

Example

"The astronauts aboard the lunar module paused their checklist to photograph the breathtaking earthrise over the cratered horizon."

Antonyms
View all antonyms for earthrise

Word Nuance & Usage

Because the Moon is tidally locked to the Earth, an actual earthrise cannot be witnessed by an observer standing stationary on the lunar surface (except slight wobbles due to libration), though it is readily seen by spacecraft in lunar orbit.

• Nearby Words

earthmoving
earthnut pea
earthquake
earthrise
earthshaking
earthshattering
earthward

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 19th century by analogy with 'sunrise' and 'moonrise', and popularized worldwide by the iconic photograph taken by Apollo 8 astronaut William Anders in December 1968.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Earthrise. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/earthrise
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.