galactic

adjective

ga·​lac·​tic gə-ˈlak-tik How to pronounce galactic (audio)
Synonyms of galacticnext
1
: of or relating to a galaxy and especially the Milky Way galaxy
2
: huge
a galactic sum of money

Examples of galactic in a Sentence

a galactic serving of soda that would have been enough for three moviegoers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Grillmair’s work had focused on uncovering the structure of the Milky Way, identifying faint stellar streams and substructures that make up the galactic halo surrounding our spiral galaxy, and helping reshape our understanding of how galaxies evolve, according to his website. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026 Thus, understanding the impact of black holes on their home galaxies is vital for understanding galactic evolution. Robert Lea, Space.com, 20 Feb. 2026 The terror is real, y'all, and the killer extraterrestrial goes perfectly with the galactic claustrophobia. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026 To combine this kind of depth perception with the galactic ache of an unreal love, of an undead infatuation, that was new. James Parker, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for galactic

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin galacticus (taken as derivative of Galaxias "Milky Way"), borrowed from Greek galaktikós "milky," from galakt-, gála "milk" + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at galaxy

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of galactic was in 1839

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Cite this Entry

“Galactic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/galactic. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

galactic

adjective
ga·​lac·​tic gə-ˈlak-tik How to pronounce galactic (audio)
: of or relating to a galaxy

More from Merriam-Webster on galactic

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