observatory

noun

ob·​ser·​va·​to·​ry əb-ˈzər-və-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce observatory (audio)
plural observatories
1
: a building or place given over to or equipped for observation of natural phenomena (as in astronomy)
also : an institution whose primary purpose is making such observations
2
: a situation or structure commanding a wide view

Examples of observatory in a Sentence

the observatory is located on a mountaintop
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.
There’s even the opportunity to enjoy an amazing hands-on stargazing experience at the resort’s on-site observatory. Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 In the past few years these measurements have been replicated by many studies and further refined with the aid of the European Space Agency Gaia parallax observatory to 73 ± 1. Marc Kamionkowski, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024 Being unsure, and thinking about what comes next, is the point of an innovative observatory like JWST. Rebecca Boyle, Quanta Magazine, 9 Oct. 2024 Built in 1893 for $20,000, the home was first occupied by a series of superintendents who worked for the naval observatory. Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for observatory 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin observātōrium "place for observing celestial phenomena," from Latin observāre "to give attention, watch carefully, observe" + -tōrium, suffix of place, noun derivative from neuter of -tōrius, deverbal adjective suffix originally forming derivatives from agent nouns ending in -tōr-, -tor

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of observatory was in 1673

Dictionary Entries Near observatory

Cite this Entry

“Observatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observatory. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

observatory

noun
ob·​ser·​va·​to·​ry əb-ˈzər-və-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce observatory (audio)
-ˌtȯr-
plural observatories
1
: a place or institution equipped with instruments for observation of natural objects and events (as in astronomy)
2
: a place providing a wide view

More from Merriam-Webster on observatory

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