stargaze: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, sometimes literary.
Quick answer
What does “stargaze” mean?
To look up at the stars for an extended period, often with a sense of wonder or contemplation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To look up at the stars for an extended period, often with a sense of wonder or contemplation.
To daydream or be lost in fanciful, unrealistic thoughts; to be impractical or inattentive to immediate surroundings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The compound noun 'stargazing' is slightly more common than the verb 'stargaze' in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations. The figurative use is equally pejorative in both.
Frequency
Similar, low-to-medium frequency. More common in figurative contexts than literal in general discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “stargaze” in a Sentence
[Subject] stargazes.[Subject] stargazes [Adverbial (e.g., at night, for hours)].Go stargazing.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stargaze” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We drove to the Yorkshire Dales to stargaze away from the city lights.
- He's always stargazing when he should be revising.
American English
- Let's go to the desert to stargaze this weekend.
- Quit stargazing and focus on the spreadsheet.
adverb
British English
- N/A. Not standard.
American English
- N/A. Not standard.
adjective
British English
- N/A. The related adjective is 'stargazing' (e.g., a stargazing event).
American English
- N/A. The related adjective is 'stargazing' (e.g., stargazing equipment).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Used figuratively and critically: 'We need a plan, not more stargazing from the strategy team.'
Academic
Rare in formal writing. Might appear in astronomy or literature contexts describing a character.
Everyday
Common in its figurative sense: 'Stop stargazing and help me with these bags!'
Technical
Specific to astronomy hobbyists and educators referring to the activity.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stargaze”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stargaze”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stargaze”
- Confusing with 'star gaze' as two words (should be one word or hyphenated: stargaze/stargazing).
- Using it as a noun (the noun is 'stargazing').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's more common to use the noun 'stargazing' (e.g., 'We went stargazing'). The verb 'stargaze' is perfectly correct but less frequent in everyday speech.
Yes, in its literal sense it's a positive, contemplative hobby. The figurative sense is usually negative, implying impracticality.
They are close synonyms in figurative use. 'Stargaze' adds a layer of being focused on lofty, distant, or unrealistic ideas, while 'daydream' can be about any kind of fantasy.
It's a regular verb: 'stargazed'. 'Last summer, we stargazed every night.'
To look up at the stars for an extended period, often with a sense of wonder or contemplation.
Stargaze is usually informal, sometimes literary. in register.
Stargaze: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɑː.ɡeɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɑːr.ɡeɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Have your head in the clouds (related figurative sense).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GAZE directed at the STARS = STAR+GAZE.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPRACTICAL THINKING IS LOOKING AT DISTANT STARS (focusing on distant, unreachable things instead of immediate reality).
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, what does telling someone 'to stop stargazing' imply?