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

Zwicky, which scans the night sky with a wide-field camera, has a reputation of enabling astronomers to discover transients or fleeting cosmic phenomena, such as quickly flaring supernovae. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025

In recent years, astronomers tracking space junk have focused on low-Earth orbit (LEO), where human space missions operate alongside communication and observation satellites. —Humberto Basilio, Scientific American, 7 Nov. 2025

By detecting the COMs in their frozen states, astronomers get an indication of how far evolved the chemistry of the material surrounding protostars is at the earliest stages of star formation. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 7 Nov. 2025

Guests can enjoy sundowners at the lookout point and peruse the incredible landscape free of crowds or book full-moon walks and stargazing experiences led by an astronomer. —Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025

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

Rhymes for astronomer

• ionomer
• monomer