Meaning

(usually uncountable, literary, poetic, also figuratively) The vault of the heavens, where the clouds, sun, moon, and stars can be seen; the heavens, the sky..

Definitions by Sense

1. (usually uncountable, literary, poetic, also figuratively) The vault of the heavens, where the clouds, sun, moon, and stars can be seen; the heavens, the sky.
2. (countable) The field or sphere of an activity or interest.
3. (uncountable, astronomy, historical) In the geocentric Ptolemaic system, the eighth celestial sphere which carried the fixed stars; (countable, by extension) any celestial sphere.
4. (uncountable, obsolete except biblical) The abode of God and the angels; heaven.
5. (countable, obsolete) A piece of jewellery worn in a headdress with numerous gems resembling stars in the sky.
6. (countable, obsolete, also figuratively) A basis or foundation; a support.
7. (countable, obsolete) The act or process of making firm or strengthening.

Example Sentences

And thei that be wiſe, ſhal ſhine, as the brightnes of the firmament: & they that turne to righteouſnes, ſhal ſhine as the ſtarres, for euer and euer.

[T]his moſt excellent Canopie the ayre, looke you, this braue orehanging firmament, this maieſticall roofe fretted with golden fire, why it appeareth nothing to me but a foule and peſtilent congregation of vapoures.

Now to ye all, be firmaments to ſtars, / Be ſtars to Firmaments, and as you are / Splendent, ſo be fixed, not wandring, nor / Irregular, both keeping courſe together, [...]

And God ſaid, Let there be a firmament in the midſt of the waters: and let it diuide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament; and diuided the waters, which were under the firmament, from the waters, which were aboue the firmament: and it was ſo. And God called the firmament, Heauen: and the euening and the morning were the ſecond day.

[W]hat if all / Her ſtores were op'n'd, and this Firmament / Of Hell ſhould ſpout her Cataracts of Fire, [...]

There are Crowns of Glory to be given us; and Garments that will make us ſhine like the Sun in the Firmament of Heaven.

On Nature's Alps I ſtand, / And ſee a Thouſand Firmaments beneath!

And far above the gentle moon sails on / Through the blue firmament. It is a scene / That gives that spot of earth the air of Heav'n!

Word Forms

• firmaments

Synonyms for firmament

Related Words

When Should You Use Firmament?

Use firmament when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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