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

There’s even the opportunity to enjoy an amazing hands-on stargazing experience at the resort’s on-site observatory. —Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

In the past few years these measurements have been replicated by many studies and further refined with the aid of the European Space Agency Gaia parallax observatory to 73 ± 1. —Marc Kamionkowski, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024

Being unsure, and thinking about what comes next, is the point of an innovative observatory like JWST. —Rebecca Boyle, Quanta Magazine, 9 Oct. 2024

Built in 1893 for $20,000, the home was first occupied by a series of superintendents who worked for the naval observatory. —Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 1 Oct. 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