orbiting
To be "orbiting" means to be moving in a curved path around a celestial body, like a planet or a star, due to the influence of gravity. The mental image is of a satellite or a moon perpetually falling toward a center, but moving forward fast enough that it stays in a balanced, circular or elliptical loop. Beyond physics, we use this word metaphorically to describe someone or something that constantly stays near a specific person or social circle without fully integrating into it. You might say someone is "orbiting" their crush, meaning they hang around on the periphery of that person’s life, watching from a distance.
In conversation
Space agency control room
Is the satellite orbiting correctly?
Is the satellite orbiting correctly?
Yes, it has achieved a stable orbit.
Yes, it has achieved a stable orbit.
Used in its literal scientific sense regarding spaceflight.
Office gossip
He’s been orbiting her desk all morning.
He’s been orbiting her desk all morning.
I know, he’s clearly trying to get her attention.
I know, he’s clearly trying to get her attention.
Used metaphorically to describe hovering near someone.
Examples
The moon is orbiting the Earth.
The moon is orbiting the Earth.
Several satellites are currently orbiting the planet to monitor weather patterns.
Several satellites are currently orbiting the planet to monitor weather patterns.
The asteroid was caught by the planet's gravity and began orbiting it indefinitely.
The asteroid was caught by the planet's gravity and began orbiting it indefinitely.
