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solstice

/ˈsɒlstɪs/  ·  say it: SOL·stiss

the day of the longest or shortest daylight

In Science & Nature

In more detail

1. (noun) the day when the sun is farthest from the equator, making it either the longest or shortest day of the year; there are two solstices each year—the summer solstice (around June 21) and the winter solstice (around December 21)

Examples

• The summer solstice is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Many ancient cultures built monuments to mark the winter solstice.

How to use solstice

Solstice is a technical astronomical term used in both formal and everyday contexts when discussing seasonal events, celestial mechanics, or cultural calendar observations. It has no significant emotional connotation and is primarily factual. The term is often paired with the specific solstice type (summer or winter) rather than used alone.

Common phrases

• summer solstice
• winter solstice
• at the solstice
• solstice day
• around the solstice

Synonyms

turning point of the year · solar extreme

Word family

solsticial (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse solstice with equinox; remember that solstice marks the longest or shortest day (sun at its maximum distance from the equator), while equinox marks equal day and night length (sun directly above the equator).

Nearby in Science & Nature

humidity, meteorology, equinox, orbit, galaxy, nebula

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained