zenith

American  

[zee-nith, zen-ith] / ˈzi nɪθ, ˈzɛn ɪθ /

noun

1. the point on the celestial sphere vertically above a given position or observer.

   Antonyms:

   nadir

2. a highest point or state; culmination.

   Synonyms:

   summit, apex

   Antonyms:

   nadir

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zenith British  

/ ˈziːnɪθ, ˈzɛnɪθ /

noun

1. astronomy the point on the celestial sphere vertically above an observer

2. the highest point; peak; acme

   the zenith of someone's achievements

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zenith Scientific  

/ zē′nĭth /

1. The point on the celestial sphere that is directly above the observer (90 degrees above the celestial horizon).

2. Compare nadir

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Other Word Forms

• zenithal adjective

Etymology

Origin of zenith

1350–1400; Middle English cenith < Medieval Latin < Old Spanish zenit, scribal error for zemt < Arabic samt road, incorrectly read as senit by medieval scribes (compare Arabic samt ar-rās road above (over) one's head, the opposite of nadir )

Example Sentences

Klosterman believes right now is likely the zenith.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Was Liu’s skate the zenith moment from these Milan Cortina Games?

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

Standing on a stage and clutching a Grammy as the world watches on is, arguably, the zenith of stardom.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2026

In much of the country, demand begins to bloom in late January through February, accelerates in March and April, and reaches its zenith in May and June.

From Barron's • Jan. 6, 2026

The sun climbed through the sky, reached its zenith, began to come down.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel