observatory

noun

ob·​ser·​va·​to·​ry əb-ˈzər-və-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce observatory (audio)
plural observatories
Synonyms of observatorynext
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

Synonyms

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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.
The website’s mobile observatory will chase clear skies, with the latest plan to be in the east of the U.S. where clear skies are forecast. — Jamie Carter, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025 The most likely outcome of the current unrest would be an eruption or eruptions similar to those in 1953 and 1992, the observatory said. — CBS News, 13 Mar. 2025 The observatory's infrared detectors will collect data on the chemical composition of asteroids, hazy star-forming clouds, and faraway galaxies. — Ars Technica, 13 Mar. 2025 Since 1980, observatories studying this nebula have detected high-energy X-rays coming from the white dwarf at its core. — Michael Irving, New Atlas, 9 Mar. 2025 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

Rhymes for observatory

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Browse Nearby Words

observatory
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Cite this Entry

“Observatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observatory. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

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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

Nglish: Translation of observatory for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about observatory

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