globe
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡlˈəʊb/
US
- /ˈɡloʊb/
Description
- spherical model of Earth
- world map in 3D
- the world
- round object
A globe is often a three-dimensional model of the Earth, like a small world you can hold in your hands. You see it in classrooms, offices, and homes, where it helps people understand continents, oceans, and where places are in relation to one another. The word can also mean the world itself, especially in phrases like "around the globe" or "travel the globe." In some contexts, it can also describe a round object, such as a glass globe.
The word "globe" has a few closely related meanings. Most commonly, it means a spherical model of the Earth, with continents, oceans, and often country borders marked on it. This is the kind of globe you might spin in a classroom or keep on a desk to picture where places are and how the world fits together. Because it shows the Earth as a round body, it can help people understand geography more naturally than a flat map.
The word is also often used to mean the world itself. When someone says news spread "across the globe" or that a person traveled "around the globe," they mean across many parts of the world, not a physical model sitting on a shelf. This meaning is common in both everyday speech and writing because it gives the idea of the whole planet as one connected place.
In a broader sense, "globe" can also describe any round object, especially one that is shaped like a ball or a sphere. For example, a decorative glass globe or a snow globe uses this sense of the word. The idea behind all these meanings is the same: something round, complete, and often connected to the shape of the Earth itself.
So whether you are looking at a spinning model in a classroom, reading about events happening across the globe, or holding a round glass ornament in your hand, the word "globe" carries the simple image of a round world or a round object.
Examples
- 1
Classroom geography
We used the classroom globe to find where Kenya is.
- 2
Travel choice
He spun the globe and let his finger choose their next holiday destination.
- 3
Space view
From space, Earth looks like a bright blue globe.
- 4
Worldwide popularity
The band's music is now popular all over the globe.
Phrase
all over the globe
in many parts of the world
- 5
Lamp part
Her desk lamp had a white glass globe instead of a shade.
Phrase
glass globe
a round glass cover
- 6
Souvenirs
My niece collects snow globes from every city she visits.
Phrase
snow globe
a small clear ball with water and tiny "snow" inside
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- globenoun
Forms
- globespluralnoun