firmament
Say it: FUR-muh-muhnt /ˈfɜːməmənt/ · noun
What “firmament” means
The sky stretching above us.
More precisely: The sky or heavens; figuratively, a field full of stars.
Example: “She's a rising star in the tech firmament.”
When to use it
Use it for the sky or heavens in a grand, literary or religious tone, especially when describing stars.
Similar words
heavens, sky, vault of heaven
Where it comes from
Latin firmamentum, from firmare 'to make firm'.
Quick check
Camping far from town, you look up at the great star-filled sky overhead. What could you call it?
the galaxy or the firmament?
Show the answer
the firmament
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