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

In one eight-hour period, there were approximately 250 earthquakes beneath Kilauea's summit region, according to the observatory. —Alex Sundby, CBS News, 4 June 2024

Alternatively, the observatory’s measurements could undercut this hypothesis, a pillar in the current understanding of cosmology. —Kenneth Chang, New York Times, 3 June 2024

An international network of gravitational observatories, including the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory in the United States, routinely detects these waves. —Gaurav Khanna, Discover Magazine, 27 May 2024

The nearly 11-hour flight to Santiago, Chile also went well, said Lange and fellow SLAC engineer Margaux Lopez, who were tasked with leading the operation to pack up and ship the device to the observatory. —Ethan Baron, The Mercury News, 22 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably from New Latin observatorium, from Latin observare

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