A dwarf planet is a celestial body that orbits the sun and shares characteristics with planets, yet does not meet the criteria to be classified as a full-fledged planet. Defined by the International Astronomical Union, dwarf planets are spherical in shape but may not have cleared their orbital path of debris. Notable examples include Pluto and Eris. While smaller in size compared to regular planets, dwarf planets contribute to our understanding of the solar system’s diversity and complexity.