# Virgo

> English word · Proper noun · IPA /ˈvɜː.ɡəʊ/ · frequency rank #26,657

## Definitions
1. A constellation in the zodiac, traditionally figured in the shape of a maiden holding an ear of wheat (represented by the bright binary star Spica).
2. The zodiac sign for the virgin, ruled by Mercury, that covers August 23 – September 23 (tropical astrology) or September 16 – October 15 (sidereal astrology).
3. A large-scale gravitational wave detector located in Pisa, Italy.
4. A surname.

## Etymology
From Latin virgō (“maiden, virgin; name of constellation”), calque of Ancient Greek παρθένος (parthénos, “virgin; name of constellation”), ultimately derived from ancient Mesopotamian constellations, as Akkadian absinnu (“seed furrow; name of constellation”) and Sumerian 𒀯𒀳 (ᵐᵘˡABSIN₃, “seed furrow; constellation representing fertility goddess Shala with ear of corn”). Doublet of virgin.

## Easily confused with
- **virus** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/virgo-vs-virus)
- **vino** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/vino-vs-virgo)
- **Vigo** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/vigo-vs-virgo)
- **video** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/video-vs-virgo)
- **viral** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/viral-vs-virgo)
- **verge** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/verge-vs-virgo)
- **vigor** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/vigor-vs-virgo)
- **Vimeo** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/vimeo-vs-virgo)
- **verso** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/verso-vs-virgo)
- **Virat** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/virat-vs-virgo)
- **virgin** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/virgin-vs-virgo)
- **Virgil** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/virgil-vs-virgo)

## Common misspellings (7)
`ivrgo`, `vigro`, `virggo`, `virog`, `virrgo`, `vrigo`, `vvirgo`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/virgo