astronomical

adjective

as·​tro·​nom·​i·​cal ˌa-strə-ˈnä-mi-kəl 

variants or less commonly astronomic

ˌa-strə-ˈnä-mik 

1

: of or relating to astronomy

astronomical observations

2

: enormously or inconceivably large or great

astronomical numbers

an astronomical price

astronomically

ˌa-strə-ˈnä-mi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of astronomical

• huge
• enormous
• vast
• tremendous
• gigantic
• massive
• giant
• colossal
• monumental
• immense
• mammoth
• bumper
• titanic
• mountainous
• cosmic
• planetary
• monstrous

Examples of astronomical in a Sentence

The cost of the office building was astronomical.

We got an astronomical telephone bill this month.

Recent Examples on the Web

But in the decade that followed, OpenAI turned into a commercial entity with astronomical growth rates, transformed largely by the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022. —Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026

The Unistellar network is not just about collecting astronomical data but about involving citizens in scientific research and empowering them to participate in discoveries. —Harry Bennett, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2026

This celestial event, known as a conjunction, occurs when two astronomical bodies seem near each other from Earth's perspective. —Eric Lagatta, AZCentral.com, 23 Jan. 2026

In May 1848, Polk offered Spain an astronomical $100 million (more than $4 billion today) to give up its claim to Cuba. —Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 21 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin astronomicus "of or relating to astronomy" (borrowed from Greek astronomikós "of astronomy, skilled in astronomy," from astronomía astronomy + -ikos -ic entry 1) + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing astronomical

• astronomical unit

Rhymes for astronomical

• anatomical
• economical
• comical
• neuroanatomical
• uneconomical

Kids Definition

astronomical

adjective

as·​tro·​nom·​i·​cal ˌas-trə-ˈnäm-i-kəl 

variants also astronomic

-ˈnäm-ik 

1

: of or relating to astronomy

2

: extremely or unbelievably large

the cost was astronomical

astronomically

-ˈnäm-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb