NYT Dictionary
NEBULA
/ˈnɛ(ː)b.ju.la/NounNEB-u-laneb-u-la · 3 syllablesGrade 8
Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2026
Meaning
A cloud in outer space consisting of gas or dust (e.g. a cloud formed after a star explodes).
Etymology
Origin: Latin
Learned borrowing from Latin nebula (“little cloud, mist”). First attested in 1655. Akin to Ancient Greek νεφέλη (nephélē, “cloud”), German Nebel (“mist, nebula”), Old Norse nifl, Polish niebo (“sky, heaven”), Russian не́бо (nébo, “sky”).
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
gegenscheincoalsackcounterglownebulosity
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle: