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.
Although parts of California have already experienced triple-digit temperatures, the new season doesn’t officially arrive until the summer solstice — an astronomical event that marks the longest day of the year. Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 8 June 2025 The summer solstice is an astronomical event marking the official start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 Cheng and his colleagues made the discovery by searching through astronomical images from the Victor M. Blanco Telescope and the Canada France Hawaii Telescope for bright spots that might represent a TNO. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 May 2025 Negotiating strategy Trump’s approach to negotiations has involved threats of astronomical tariffs — up to 145% in the case of China — before striking a deal for far lower levels. David McHugh, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Astronomical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astronomical. Accessed 12 Jun. 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

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