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.
The film collected another $17 million internationally for a galactic $42 million global tally over the weekend. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 27 Apr. 2025 The findings, published in The Astrophysical Journal, reveal evidence of highly ionized neon gas, which could be a telltale sign of an active galactic nucleus (AGN), the bright, compact central portion of a galaxy. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025 These galactic bars are temporary features that form and dissolve over billions of years, and are found in about 30% of galaxies, according to the statement. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2025 In episode 3 of Andor's second season, our favorite rebel leader and senator, Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly), gets her galactic groove on. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 23 Apr. 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 30 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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