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.
The observatory’s page on diversity, equity and inclusion was also missing Thursday afternoon. Lisa Song, ProPublica, 30 Jan. 2025 The frame of the dome that will house the world's largest telescope has been completed, marking another key milestone in the observatory's construction. Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 19 Jan. 2025 Since best viewing is away from cities and light, Krupp said the observatory is not hosting any special viewing events. Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025 Experience stargazing at the historic observatory where Pluto was discovered. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 3 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near observatory

Cite this Entry

“Observatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observatory. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.

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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