astronomical

adjective

as·​tro·​nom·​i·​cal ˌa-strə-ˈnä-mi-kəl How to pronounce astronomical (audio)
variants or less commonly astronomic
1
: of or relating to astronomy
astronomical observations
2
: enormously or inconceivably large or great
astronomical numbers
an astronomical price
astronomically adverb

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
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.
The data paints a stark picture: AI startups face astronomical odds of failure. Moin Roberts-Islam, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 As Billy explains to his team, the two acted as card counters who were ready to get back at the casino — or teams with astronomical budgets and star power. Derek Scancarelli, EW.com, 27 June 2025 Expect shore excursions that complement the astronomical theme, such as a visit to Stonehenge in England, a historic site believed to have been constructed to align with the winter and summer solstices. Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2025 In New York City, astronomical twilight, when the sun is between 12 and 18 degrees below the horizon and the last of the daylight disappears, is between 9:47 and 10:37 p.m. on June 25. Jesse Emspak, Space.com, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for astronomical

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of astronomical was in 1551

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Astronomical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astronomical. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

astronomical

adjective
as·​tro·​nom·​i·​cal ˌas-trə-ˈnäm-i-kəl How to pronounce astronomical (audio)
variants also astronomic
1
: of or relating to astronomy
2
: extremely or unbelievably large
the cost was astronomical
astronomically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on astronomical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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