astronomer

noun

as·​tron·​o·​mer ə-ˈsträ-nə-mər 

: a person who is skilled in astronomy or who makes observations of celestial phenomena

Examples of astronomer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Data from modern space missions, such as NASA’s Juno spacecraft, has given astronomers unprecedented looks at the storm’s shape. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 22 June 2024

The sheer amount of water on our planet is, as far as astronomers can tell, a remarkably lucky exception. —Marina Koren, The Atlantic, 20 June 2024

About 1,000 light-years away, a vast disk of gas and dust is offering astronomers a peek at how planets are born. —Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 June 2024

These telescopes could give astronomers new tools to look for life on Earth-like planets beyond the solar system. —Martin Elvis, Discover Magazine, 10 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "one versed in astronomy or astrology," from astronomie astronomy + -er -er entry 2

Note: Alternatively, Oxford English Dictionary, third edition, and Middle English Dictionary see the English word as derived from Medieval and Late Latin astronomus "astronomer" (borrowed from Greek astronómos) plus the agent suffix -er.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above