intergalactic

American  

[in-ter-guh-lak-tik] / ˌɪn tər gəˈlæk tɪk /

adjective

1. of, existing, or occurring in the space between galaxies.

   The science-fiction movie was about an intergalactic war.

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intergalactic British  

/ ˌɪntəɡəˈlæktɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or existing between two or more galaxies

   the dark clouds of intergalactic space

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Etymology

Origin of intergalactic

First recorded in 1925–30; inter- + galactic

Explanation

The adjective intergalactic describes something that's in between galaxies. An intergalactic star, for example, is not inside a galaxy, but between them — it's also called a "rogue star." You can call anything that relates to galaxies, or exists between them, intergalactic. If we were able to travel at the speed of light, intergalactic travel — travel from one galaxy to another — might be possible. The prefix inter- means "between" or "among," and it's followed by galactic, "pertaining to our galaxy," from the Late Latin root galaxias, "the Milky Way."

Example Sentences

Supergirl would rather spend her time intergalactic bar-hopping between 10 different versions of the “Star Wars” cantina.

From Salon • Jun. 27, 2026

They modeled how particles of different sizes would gain or lose energy while traveling through intergalactic space.

From Science Daily • Jun. 9, 2026

The actor said he's enjoying playing a range of roles, including Lobo, the intergalactic bounty hunter in the upcoming "Supergirl" film, which he described as "a childhood dream."

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

Chelsea has been transformed into an "intergalactic wonderland" of floral displays as London's largest free flower festival returns for its 21st year.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

It was first thought to be hot intergalactic hydrogen, an immense amount of it never before seen, perhaps enough to close the Cosmos and to guarantee that we are trapped in an oscillating universe.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan