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 All while, none of Gamestop’s financial performance warranted the astronomical share price foisted upon it. Paolo Confino, Fortune, 21 Mar. 2024 Even greater flooding occurs during astronomical high tides and storms. Jennifer Borresen, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2024 To coincide with the astronomical event, Vampire Weekend will start playing at 12 p.m. CT, with the eclipse expected to reach totality around 1:36 p.m., bringing full darkness for a couple of minutes in the middle of the day. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2024 The agency says this astronomical event coincides with the April 8 total solar eclipse in North America, which will shadow parts of the United States from Texas to Maine when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth. Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 18 Mar. 2024 Tuesday marks the official start of astronomical spring in the Northern Hemisphere after the warmest winter on record. Allison Chinchar, CNN, 16 Mar. 2024 As astronomical spring begins, temperatures will fluctuate. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 15 Mar. 2024 Another suggestion from the astronomical society: the shadow of a leafy tree. Jennifer Dixon, Detroit Free Press, 15 Mar. 2024 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

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 28 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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