What does satellite mean?
Satellite most often denotes an object that moves in orbit around a planet or another space body. Artificial satellites include communications relays, scientific probes, and weather instruments; Earth's natural satellite is the Moon. The word can also refer to a state, territory, or organization that is subordinate to a more powerful partner. In everyday usage, “satellite” usually suggests something launched into orbit, whereas “moon” is the more specific term for a natural satellite. The political sense carries connotations of dependence and reduced autonomy, although it can describe formal alliances as well as historical arrangements. The term is useful because it captures the idea of an accompanying body or subordinate partner: in astronomy it distinguishes an orbiting body from its central primary, while in politics it marks a relationship of unequal influence. Its modern meanings therefore extend an older metaphor of attendance and companionship into both scientific language and political vocabulary.
An object, natural or artificial, that moves in orbit around a planet or other celestial body; also, a state or organization subordinate to a more powerful one.
"The satellite broadcast the championship match directly to subscribers."
The political sense is often used for a state that has substantial but limited independence.
Relating to a satellite or its operation; also, subordinate to a larger political power.
"The region depends heavily on satellite communications."
The political adjective is commonly used in expressions such as “satellite state” and “satellite government.”
To accompany or act as a subordinate to someone or something.
"The smaller party continued to satellite the dominant coalition."
This verb is rare and chiefly formal.
The plural is regular and takes the suffix -s.
"Several satellites are tracking the developing storm."
The Moon is Earth's natural satellite, turning our familiar companion into a literal traveler in orbit.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does satellite come from?
The word entered English through French in the early 16th century, ultimately deriving from Latin satelles, meaning an attendant or escort. Its astronomical sense applies the idea of an accompanying body to an object revolving around a larger celestial body. Later developments also established the political sense of a subordinate state or dependent partner.
Related word forms
How satellite is actually used
In modern usage, “satellite” most often refers to an artificial spacecraft or communication relay. The political sense may suggest dependence and limited autonomy, but it can also describe a recognized alliance or historical arrangement. The verb is rare and chiefly formal.