ob·ser·va·tion
ˌäb-sər-ˈvā-shən 
-zər-
1
a
: an act or instance of observing a custom, rule, or law
observation of the dress code
b
: observance sense 3
The characters in her novel are based on close observation of her family.
2
a
: an act of recognizing and noting a fact or occurrence often involving measurement with instruments
weather observations
b
: a record or description so obtained
Scientific observations were sent to the committee.
3
: a judgment on or inference (see inference sense 2) from what one has observed
4
obsolete
: attentive care : heed
5
: the condition of one that is observed
under observation at the hospital
observationally
adverb
: designed for use in viewing something (such as scenery) or in making observations
an observation tower
the observation platform
Synonyms
Examples of observation in a Sentence
Noun
I'm not criticizing that kind of clothing. I'm just making an observation about the style.
Her constant observations about the weather bored me.
These facts are based on close observation of the birds in the wild.
Observations made using the telescope have led to new theories.
Some interesting observations came from the study.
He recorded his observations in a notebook.
Recent Examples on the Web
Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
Newsletter Ever since the ancient Greeks first made observations of the circular Moon and the skies, scientists have known that the Earth is a sphere.
—Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2024
Julia Musto, Fox News, 17 Mar. 2021
See all Example Sentences for observation 
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Noun
Listen to this article BOULDER — Initial observations from CU’s 49-24 win over Utah in Big 12 action at Folsom Field on Saturday.
—Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024
Newsletter Ever since the ancient Greeks first made observations of the circular Moon and the skies, scientists have known that the Earth is a sphere.
—Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2024
Adjective
Other pre-observation activities and further tests are set to be conducted this week.
—Julia Musto, Fox News, 17 Mar. 2021
See all Example Sentences for observation
Dictionary Entries Near observation
Cite this Entry
“Observation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observation. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
observation
noun
ob·ser·va·tion
ˌäb-sər-ˈvā-shən, -zər-
1
: the noting of a fact or occurrence (as in nature) often involving the measurement of some magnitude with suitable instruments
temperature observations
also
: a record so obtained
2
: close watch or examination (as to monitor or diagnose a condition)
postoperative observation
psychiatric observation
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