galactic

adjective

ga·​lac·​tic gə-ˈlak-tik How to pronounce galactic (audio)
1
: of or relating to a galaxy and especially the Milky Way galaxy
2
: huge
a galactic sum of money

Examples of galactic in a Sentence

a galactic serving of soda that would have been enough for three moviegoers
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.
And for the first time, the team detected this galactic synchrotron emission from the moon. Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 The findings indicate that this galaxy was already mature in the early universe, challenging theories of galactic evolution. Robert Lea, Space.com, 20 Mar. 2025 This area, surrounding the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*), acts as a kind of galactic mixing bowl, swirling gas and dust and emitting shock waves ripples. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 20 Mar. 2025 Known for her sharp wit, tactical brilliance, and iconic hairstyles, Leia evolves from royalty to military commander while maintaining her core strength and determination through decades of galactic conflict. Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for galactic

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin galacticus (taken as derivative of Galaxias "Milky Way"), borrowed from Greek galaktikós "milky," from galakt-, gála "milk" + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at galaxy

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of galactic was in 1839

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Cite this Entry

“Galactic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/galactic. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

galactic

adjective
ga·​lac·​tic gə-ˈlak-tik How to pronounce galactic (audio)
: of or relating to a galaxy

More from Merriam-Webster on galactic

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