observatory
noun
ob·ser·va·to·ry
əb-ˈzər-və-ˌtȯr-ē 
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
Hubble has recently shown signs of its advanced age, but the iconic observatory continues to make important scientific observations and discoveries.
—
Mike Wall, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2026
In this high-altitude corridor, several observatories operate side by side using some of the most sophisticated instruments ever engineered.
—ABC News, 25 Apr. 2026
Having completed space vacuum and temperature tests, the observatory only has a few assays left.
—Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026
Another group of astronomers caught sight of the asteroid again, later that same year, at an observatory in Australia.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for observatory
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Mike Wall, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2026
In this high-altitude corridor, several observatories operate side by side using some of the most sophisticated instruments ever engineered.
—ABC News, 25 Apr. 2026
Having completed space vacuum and temperature tests, the observatory only has a few assays left.
—Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026
Another group of astronomers caught sight of the asteroid again, later that same year, at an observatory in Australia.
—Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for observatory
Cite this Entry
“Observatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observatory. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
observatory
noun
ob·ser·va·to·ry
əb-ˈzər-və-ˌtōr-ē
-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
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