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

• enormous
• immense
• oceanic

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

Finding the cosmic wonder The research team utilized data from various astronomical surveys and the MeerKAT radio telescope to investigate the region around LMCN 1971-08a. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2025

Built on the eastern-facing slope, the stones were a gathering space used for astronomical observation. —Anna Mazurek, AFAR Media, 26 Sep. 2025

Their run differential stands at an astronomical minus-412 with four games remaining in their season. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 25 Sep. 2025

This one-two punch of higher rates and global uncertainty caused investors to reassess the astronomical valuations of internet companies. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2025

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