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 of observatory

• tower
• overlook
• lookout

Examples of observatory in a Sentence

the observatory is located on a mountaintop

Recent Examples on the Web

Hotspots for dark-sky tourism include the red dunes of Sossusvlei, the vast desert silence of Damaraland, the granite landscapes around Spitzkoppe and the remote ranchlands surrounding Gamsberg, the latter home to observatories and exceptionally low light pollution. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026

The space observatory mapped the motions and compositions of 2 billion stars across the Milky Way between July 2014 and January 2025. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 23 May 2026

Its silhouette defined the New York City skyline, while its observatories welcomed millions of visitors seeking that unforgettable view from the heart of Manhattan. —Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026

Past observations by Hubble and other observatories have picked up outflows of gas from NGC 1266, lending further support to this theory of why so few new stars are being born there. —Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 19 May 2026

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

Rhymes for observatory

• accusatory
• admonitory
• ambulatory
• amendatory
• celebratory
• circulatory
• combinatory
• commendatory
• compensatory
• condemnatory
• confirmatory
• confiscatory

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