astronomer

noun

as·​tron·​o·​mer ə-ˈsträ-nə-mər How to pronounce astronomer (audio)
: a person who is skilled in astronomy or who makes observations of celestial phenomena

Examples of astronomer in a Sentence

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 protagonist in the new book, Joan Goodwin, is an astronomer and astronaut who works at NASA’s Houston Mission Control Center. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024 While physicists are hunting for dark matter in the laboratory, astronomers have their own strategies for looking for evidence of dark matter in deep space. —Dan Falk, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024 While astronomers have been observing violent supernovae for centuries, this new triple system may be the first evidence of a black hole that formed from this more gentle process. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 23 Oct. 2024 Mark Gallaway, an astronomer and science educator at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London, told Newsweek. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for astronomer 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "one versed in astronomy or astrology," from astronomie astronomy + -er -er entry 2

Note: Alternatively, Oxford English Dictionary, third edition, and Middle English Dictionary see the English word as derived from Medieval and Late Latin astronomus "astronomer" (borrowed from Greek astronómos) plus the agent suffix -er.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of astronomer was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near astronomer

astronavigation

astronomer

astronomer's staff

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Astronomer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astronomer. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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More from Merriam-Webster on astronomer

Nglish: Translation of astronomer for Spanish Speakers

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