easy
The equator is marked at zero degrees latitude on the globe.
What does Equator mean?
The equator is the imaginary circle at zero degrees latitude that divides Earth into northern and southern halves.
Dictionary definition
The imaginary great circle around Earth at zero degrees latitude, equally distant from the North and South poles, that divides Earth into the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Equator can also name a similar dividing circle on another celestial body, a central circle around an object or body, or the celestial equator projected across the sky.
Example sentences
Equator in a sentence
easy
The ship crossed the equator and entered the Southern Hemisphere.
medium
Latitude is measured north or south from the equator.
medium
Mars has an equator halfway between its north and south poles.
hard
The biologist described a band around the cell as its equator.
hard
Astronomers use the celestial equator as a reference circle in the sky.
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Equator
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What is Earth’s equator?
The equator is equally distant from the poles and divides Earth into the Northern and Southern hemispheres.
Practice 2
What does equator mean in “The rover landed near Mars’s equator”?
Planets and other roughly spherical celestial bodies can have equators, not only Earth.
Practice 3
Which statement correctly compares the equator and prime meridian?
The two imaginary reference lines start different coordinate measurements and are not opposites.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Equator
Voice settings
Sounds like
ih · kway · ter · strongest beat: kway
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordEquator.
Partnoun.
MeaningEquator means The equator is the imaginary circle at zero degrees latitude that divides Earth into northern and southern halves.
ExampleExample: The equator is marked at zero degrees latitude on the globe.
Word breakdown
3 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- ih · kway · ter
- Strongest beat
- kway
- Ending
- ter
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on kway.
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Synonym review
Does Equator have synonyms?
Equator has no precise everyday synonym. Zero-degree latitude is an explanatory phrase, while midline and great circle are broader related ideas rather than interchangeable words. Equinoctial is an older technical name only for the celestial-equator sense, so it is not a useful general synonym.
Antonym review
Does Equator have an opposite?
Equator has no direct opposite. The poles are contrasting reference points, and the prime meridian is a different zero line, but neither is an antonym.
Word family
Equator word family
Base word
equator
noun
equators
More than one equator, such as the equators of different planets.
adjective
equatorial
At, near, or relating to an equator.
adverb
equatorially
In a position or direction relating to an equator.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Equator
Hint for students
Look for zero degrees latitude, northern and southern halves, equal distance from two poles, or a central circle around a sphere-like body.
Common mix-up
The equator is an imaginary reference circle, not a border or a line painted around Earth. It is zero degrees latitude; the prime meridian is zero degrees longitude.
Try it in class or at home
Students trace the equator on a globe, label the two hemispheres, and compare it with the prime meridian. They then use equator, latitude, and longitude in three connected sentences.
Teacher prompt
Compare “The ship crossed the equator” with “The prime meridian is zero degrees longitude.” Ask students to explain what each imaginary line measures or divides.
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