Galilean

1 of 2

adjective (1)

Gal·​i·​le·​an ˌga-lə-ˈlē-ən How to pronounce Galilean (audio) -ˈlā- How to pronounce Galilean (audio)
: of, relating to, or discovered by Galileo Galilei
Galilean satellites

Galilean

2 of 2

adjective (2)

Gal·​i·​le·​an ˌga-lə-ˈlē-ən How to pronounce Galilean (audio)
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Galilee
Galilean noun
plural Galileans

Examples of Galilean in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Tiny dots extending from Jupiter's disk hint at the presence of its four Galilean moons. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 10 June 2026 The two most interesting moons by far are the inner Galilean moons, Europa and Io. Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 25 Jan. 2026 The probe found that, warmed by gravitational interactions between Jupiter and one another, the Galilean satellites teemed with geological activity. Nadia Drake, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

galileo + -an entry 2

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

circa 1751, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1638, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Galilean was in 1638

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Cite this Entry

“Galilean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Galilean. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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