noun

galaxy

/ˈɡæləksi/ · say it: GAL·uh·see

a vast system of stars held together by gravity

In Science & Nature

In more detail

1. (noun) a huge system of stars, planets, and other matter held together by gravity in space

2. (noun) the Galaxy - the name for the star system containing our Earth and Sun

Examples

1. The Andromeda galaxy is the nearest major galaxy to ours.
2. Our Galaxy contains billions of stars.

How to use galaxy

Galaxy refers to a vast collection of stars, gas, and dust bound by gravity, with our own being the Milky Way. When capitalized as 'the Galaxy,' it specifically denotes our own star system. The term is used in astronomy, cosmology, and popular science contexts, often with descriptive adjectives indicating galaxy type or distance.

Common phrases

distant galaxy
Milky Way galaxy
galaxy cluster
spiral galaxy
elliptical galaxy
explore distant galaxies

Synonyms

star system · stellar system

Word family

galactic (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 'galaxy' with 'universe'—a galaxy is one star system among billions in the universe, not the universe itself.

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