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 of observatory

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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.
To discover the truth, space agencies launched observatories to study (among other things) GRBs, including NASA’s Compton Gamma Ray Observatory and the European Space Agency’s Integral observatory. — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 Animal Collective’s Geologist conceived the album at the Joshua Tree observatory of visual artist Kyle Simon, harnessing the power of the moon to record music. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 16 Oct. 2026 Atlas sits at the premium end of the Vaonis range but far below the roughly $99,000 Hyperia observatory, which the company introduced earlier this year. — New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026 Before observatories such as Greenwich, humans used sundials — essentially a stick in the ground that casts shadows as the sun moves overhead. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026 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

observatorial
observatory
observe
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Cite this Entry

“Observatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observatory. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about observatory

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