Dog Star

noun

1. the bright star Sirius, in Canis Major.
2. the bright star Procyon, in Canis Minor.

Dog Star

noun

1. the Dog Star
   another name for Sirius

Word History and Origins

Origin of Dog Star¹

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

The dog days of summer were named specifically for the Dog Star.

From National Geographic

Canis Major, as opposed to Canis Minor, translates to "Greater Dog," so it follows that the star, Sirius, is known as the Dog Star.

From Salon

The message swirled up to the heavens, to the Dog Star Sirius and the spirit of Benjamin Banneker.

From Scientific American

Sirius, the Dog Star, is the brightest star in the sky.

From Salon

First the researchers used a laser pointer to direct the seals to where the rim of the dome met the water nearest to Sirius, the Dog Star.

From New York Times