galactic

adjective

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

Synonyms of galactic

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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.
The key question is how, exactly, these wandering giants got so far from their galactic centers. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 29 July 2026 Thus, this research reveals for the first time the exact moment in cosmic history that these galactic atmospheres began to form and gather. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 29 July 2026 Meanwhile, an instrument called the Pluto Energetic Particle Spectrometer Science Investigation is measuring galactic cosmic rays, extremely fast particles created when stars explode. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 16 July 2026 The cityscape through the windows was like a starry night from the future, galactic and buzzing. — Literary Hub, 14 July 2026 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

Rhymes for galactic

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Browse Nearby Words

Galactia
galactic
galactic coordinate
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Cite this Entry

“Galactic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/galactic. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of galactic for Spanish Speakers

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