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

Using data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), astronomers have unraveled some of the atmospheric secrets of a bizarre, blisteringly hot world that has the consistency of marshmallow. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026

At the behest of astronomers and other experts, the first leap second was added to UTC in 1972 to realign the time standard with Earth’s rotation. — Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2026

Instead, the team calculated their color from data astronomers routinely collect—a star’s spectrum. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2026

But these three diffuse galaxies, known as DF2, DF4, and DF9, have left astronomers stunned. — Quanta Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026

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