stellar

[stel-er]

See more synonyms for stellar on Thesaurus.com

adjective

of or relating to the stars; consisting of stars.
like a star, as in brilliance, shape, etc.
pertaining to a preeminent performer, athlete, etc.

Origin of stellar

1650–60; < Late Latin stellāris, equivalent to stell(a) star + -ārius -ar¹

Related formsnon·stel·lar, adjectivetrans·stel·lar, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for stellar

astronomical, cosmic, galactic, outstanding, starry, shining, astral, heavenly, astrological, dominant, grand, highest, key, superior, supreme, celestial, chief, leading, principal

Examples from the Web for stellar

Contemporary Examples of stellar

But it might, when we look back at the stellar performances young Hollywood produced this year, end up being ridiculous.
Why Does Oscar Hate Young Men?
Kevin Fallon
November 9, 2014
Oh does she deserve this nomination, and maybe even this award with her stellar aftermath-of-Will grief work.
What's TV's Best Drama? 'True Detective,' 'Game of Thrones,' and Our Emmy Predictions
Kevin Fallon
August 22, 2014
In addition to her stellar body of work, she will always be remembered for being the no-nonsense half of Bogie and Bacall.
Bogie & Bacall: A Hollywood Romance for the Ages
Marlow Stern
August 13, 2014
Perhaps thanks to the surf and turf and the stellar Bordeaux and Sauvignon Blanc, there were no lost tempers.
Up To A Point: My Problem With People Who Agree With Me
P. J. O’Rourke
July 20, 2014
No wonder whistleblowers are routinely slandered as being mentally unstable (stellar accomplishments notwithstanding).
Crime Fighter’s Dilemma: My Country or My Family?
Moral Courage
April 21, 2014

Historical Examples of stellar

It came on bullet-fast, headed directly for the side of the Stellar.
Astounding Stories of Super-Science April 1930
Various
The least value of the stellar velocity is evidently equal to zero.
Lectures on Stellar Statistics
Carl Vilhelm Ludvig Charlier
The latter distance is chosen by some writers on stellar statistics.
Lectures on Stellar Statistics
Carl Vilhelm Ludvig Charlier
Some Stellar Guard weapon, he thought, that had been loaned to this fellow.
The Best Made Plans
Everett B. Cole
They offered me a spot in the Stellar Guard and I'm signing up.
The Best Made Plans
Everett B. Cole

British Dictionary definitions for stellar

stellar

adjective

of, relating to, involving, or resembling a star or stars
of or relating to star entertainers
informal outstanding or immensecompanies are registering stellar profits

Word Origin for stellar

C17: from Late Latin stellāris, from Latin stella star

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for stellar

adj.

1650s, "pertaining to stars, star-like," from Latin stellaris "pertaining to a star, starry," from stella (see star (n.)). Meaning "outstanding, leading" (1883) is from the theatrical sense of star.

stellar in Science

stellar

[stĕl′ər]

Relating to or consisting of stars.