adj
Uncommon
stellar
STEH-luh
Stellar (adj) means relating to stars. Example: “Astronomers study stellar formation in distant galaxies.”
adj
1
Relating to stars.
"Astronomers study stellar formation in distant galaxies."
"Scientists measured the stellar brightness of the cluster using a large telescope."
"A stellar explosion can be seen from enormous distances across space."
2
Outstanding or exceptionally impressive.
"She gave a stellar performance in the final act."
"The company posted stellar results this quarter."
"His stellar work on the project earned him praise from everyone in the office."
How to use stellar
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither literally about stars, or figuratively meaning excellent — like something that shines.
Common pairings
stellar performance
stellar reputation
stellar results
stellar evolution
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like stellar.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more stellar
- Superlative
- most stellar
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Astronomers study _____ formation in distant galaxies.
Etymology
From Latin stellaris, "of the stars," from stella, "star."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for stellar
See all rhymes for stellar →Frequently asked questions
What does “stellar” mean?
The word “stellar” means relating to stars. In plain terms, either literally about stars, or figuratively meaning excellent — like something that shines.
How do you pronounce “stellar”?
“Stellar” is pronounced STEH-luh (/ˈstɛlɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “stellar” in a sentence?
Here is “stellar” used in a sentence: “Astronomers study stellar formation in distant galaxies.”
What part of speech is “stellar”?
“Stellar” is an adjective.
Where does the word “stellar” come from?
The word “stellar” comes from Latin. From Latin stellaris, "of the stars," from stella, "star.".
Is “stellar” a common word?
“Stellar” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “stellar” have?
“Stellar” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to stars.
What is the difference between "stellar" and "astral"?
Both relate to stars, but "stellar" is the standard scientific term used in contexts like stellar mass or stellar evolution, while "astral" leans toward the mystical or spiritual, as in "astral plane" or "astral projection."
Can "stellar" describe something other than stars?
Yes, "stellar" is widely used informally to mean outstanding or exceptionally impressive, as in a "stellar performance" or "stellar reviews," with no connection to astronomy.
When should you use "stellar" instead of "excellent"?
"Stellar" borrows its intensity from astronomy, suggesting something rare and brilliant, which gives it more vivid emphasis than the plainer "excellent" in casual or enthusiastic praise.
