A globe is a spherical model of the Earth that shows all the continents, oceans, and countries in their proper places. Unlike a flat map, which has to stretch or distort parts of the world to fit on paper, a globe shows the Earth's true shape and the actual sizes of land masses. Spin a globe and you can see how vast the Pacific Ocean really is, or trace a finger from your hometown across countries and seas to somewhere on the other side of the world.

Globes have been made for over 2,000 years. Early globes helped explorers plan voyages and understand where they were heading. Today, you'll find globes in classrooms, libraries, and offices, often mounted on a stand so they can rotate. Some globes show physical features like mountains and deserts, while others show political boundaries between nations.

The word globe can also mean any sphere-shaped object, or even the Earth itself. When someone talks about traveling “around the globe,” they mean circling the entire planet. A globe light is a round light fixture. But when you hear the word globe, it usually refers to that familiar sphere that lets you hold the whole world in your hands.