horoscope: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Informal
Quick answer
What does “horoscope” mean?
A prediction of a person's future, based on the positions of the stars and planets at the time of their birth, often presented in the form of a chart or a daily/weekly forecast for their zodiac sign.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A prediction of a person's future, based on the positions of the stars and planets at the time of their birth, often presented in the form of a chart or a daily/weekly forecast for their zodiac sign.
The chart or diagram of the zodiac, showing the positions of the sun, moon, and planets at a specific time and place; the field or practice of astrology; or, by common usage, the short forecast for a zodiac sign found in newspapers, magazines, or online.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The daily newspaper feature is equally common in both cultures. Vocabulary differences appear in surrounding contexts (e.g., 'fortune teller' vs. 'psychic').
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of entertainment, superstition, or light-hearted fun rather than serious scientific belief. Can be used pejoratively to dismiss something as unscientific.
Frequency
Equal frequency. A staple feature of tabloid newspapers, lifestyle magazines, and social media in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “horoscope” in a Sentence
have + a + ADJ + horoscope (She had an uncannily accurate horoscope.)read + POSS + horoscopecast + a + horoscope (for someone)horoscope + for + [ZODIAC SIGN] (What's the horoscope for Taurus?)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “horoscope” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The magazine horoscoped the entire royal family.
- I wouldn't horoscope that if I were you; it's bad luck.
American English
- She horoscopes for a major website.
- They horoscoped the election results, with amusing inaccuracy.
adjective
British English
- He writes the horoscope column.
- It was a typical horoscope prediction.
American English
- She has a horoscope app on her phone.
- The horoscope section is the most-read part of the paper.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in media/publishing contexts discussing horoscope columns as a product or feature to drive readership.
Academic
Used in historical, cultural, or sociological studies examining belief systems, popular culture, or the history of astronomy/astrology.
Everyday
Very common in informal conversation about daily routines, entertainment, or light-hearted discussions about the future. 'Did you read your horoscope today?'
Technical
In astrology, refers precisely to the chart of the heavens for a specific moment, calculated using exact astronomical data.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “horoscope”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “horoscope”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “horoscope”
- Using 'horoscope' as a synonym for 'zodiac sign' (Incorrect: 'My horoscope is Libra.' Correct: 'My zodiac sign is Libra.')
- Misspelling as 'horroscope' or 'horscope'.
- Using it as a countable noun for the person (Incorrect: 'She is a horoscope.' Correct: 'She is an astrologer.')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Your zodiac (or sun) sign is one of twelve astrological signs (e.g., Aries, Taurus). A horoscope is a prediction or chart made for that sign or for your specific birth details.
No. Astrology, including horoscopes, is considered a pseudoscience. There is no empirical evidence that planetary positions influence human affairs as described in horoscopes.
A birth chart (or natal chart) is a unique, complex map of the sky at your exact birth time and place. A daily horoscope is a generic, mass-produced forecast for everyone sharing your sun sign, with no individual calculations.
Their popularity stems from psychological factors like the Barnum effect (accepting vague statements as personally accurate), a desire for guidance/control over the future, and their value as a form of entertainment and social bonding.
A prediction of a person's future, based on the positions of the stars and planets at the time of their birth, often presented in the form of a chart or a daily/weekly forecast for their zodiac sign.
Horoscope is usually neutral to informal in register.
Horoscope: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒr.ə.skəʊp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɔːr.ə.skoʊp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Written in the stars”
- “It's in my stars”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HOROscope helps you see what's in store for your HORO (hour). It's a snapshot of the sky at the HOUR of your birth.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE FUTURE IS A CHART/DIAGRAM / LIFE IS INFLUENCED BY CELESTIAL BODIES / PERSONALITY IS DETERMINED BY COSMIC POSITIONS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most precise meaning of 'horoscope' in a technical astrological context?