What does solstice mean?
A solstice is one of the two annual points at which the Sun reaches the most northerly or southerly position in its apparent path across the sky. These moments correspond to the shortest and longest days of the year, although the names conventionally used for them depend on the hemisphere: the June solstice is summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere, while the December solstice has the opposite seasonal associations. The word is also used figuratively for a major turning point, especially in discussions of history, culture, politics, or personal development. In astronomy, the solstice is defined by the Sun's apparent position rather than by a substantial change in its distance from Earth. The term comes from Latin and is closely associated with the Sun, while the English adjective solstitial describes something connected with the solstice.
nounEither of the two times of year when the Sun is at its most northerly or southerly point in its apparent annual path, marking the shortest or longest day. The word can also refer metaphorically to a decisive turning point in a process or period of time.
- The shortest or longest day of the year, when the Sun reaches its most southerly or northerly apparent position.
- A figurative turning point marking a major transition, development, or turning of events.
"The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere."
"Families traditionally gather around the winter solstice to celebrate the return of longer days."
"The publication was widely regarded as the solstice of the magazine's modern period."
The plural is used when referring to the solstices in different years or discussing both the northern and southern seasonal turning points.
"The two solstices determine the extremes of the solar year."
The solstice is less a change in the Sun's distance from Earth than a change in how long the Sun stays above the horizon.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does solstice come from?
The English word comes from Latin solstitium, a term formed from sol, meaning “sun,” and the past participle of stare, “to stand.” The Latin word referred to the point at which the Sun appeared to stand still in its annual movement before changing direction. Its sense was later extended figuratively to a turning point or decisive moment, while solar, solarium, and related forms reflect the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How solstice is actually used
The term is used in both hemispheres, but the seasonal labels follow the local pattern: the June solstice is the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere and the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. In figurative use, it is usually formal and often suggests a turning point of major significance.