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

Hockey is irresistible theater, and Olympic hockey is its zenith expression.

From The Wall Street Journal

That reputation had reached its zenith by late 2024, when the firm was drawing takeover interest.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From BBC

Her musical zenith came thanks to hit songs “Jolene,” “Here You Come Again,” and “9 to 5,” the title track from the 1980 film where Parton also made her screen debut.

From Los Angeles Times

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