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

Synonyms

• lookout
• outlook
• overlook

Examples of observatory in a Sentence

the observatory is located on a mountaintop

Recent Examples on the Web

According to a paper published in Archaeology International, rather than being a temple, a calendar or an observatory — as many archeologists have theorized — Stonehenge is political. —Jamie Carter, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

In most space cooperations in Chile that are built and paid for by overseas observatories or governments, the local partner gets 10 percent of observation time. —Didi Kirsten Tatlow, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024

The observatory also has virtual viewing parties on its YouTube account, including one March 13 for the total lunar eclipse — an event that will last until 1 a.m., Alarcon said. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024

Previously, radio observatories searched the sky for new pulsars but rarely lingered long enough to pick up slower signals. —Bydaniel Clery, science.org, 4 Dec. 2024

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

Kids 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