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 Think back to the last time a total solar eclipse was visible from the United States in April 2017, when NASA advised onlookers to watch the astronomical phenomenon with specialized eye protection. Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024 The upcoming solar eclipse on April 8 is expected to attract millions of people yearning for a glimpse of the rare astronomical phenomenon. Ryan Erik King / Jalopnik, Quartz, 7 Mar. 2024 In the series, Hancock argues that a Pleistocene civilization possessed surprisingly advanced capabilities, including a detailed understanding of astronomical phenomena and the ability to accurately calculate longitude, a skill not mastered until the 18th century. Zach St. George, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2024 Those are the astronomical odds of winning the Mega Millions, a longshot possibility put even further out of reach after a change in the game’s rules in 2017 aimed at driving up the size of the jackpot. Brian Bushard, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 For the sake of Easter date calculations, the Christian church assumes March 21 as the date of the equinox, even though the literal astronomical equinox can fall on a slightly different date. Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 12 Feb. 2024 From total eclipses shadowing the United States to meteor showers taking over the skies of the Southern Hemisphere, a bunch of astronomical events in 2024 are set to hold your gaze. Ria Gupta, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2024 That said, the astronomical growth of commercial fishing in modern times has resulted in severe overexploitation, leading to population declines and biodiversity loss on a devastating scale. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 6 Feb. 2024 Rather than being spread across the star’s surface as predicted by astronomical theory, the metal was focused in one area, said study coauthor John Landstreet, professor emeritus of physics and astronomy at Western University in Canada, in a statement. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'astronomical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near astronomical

Cite this Entry

“Astronomical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astronomical. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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

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