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

After more than two decades in space, the observatory examined over 2,000 GRBs and more than 1,400 supernovae. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 Nov. 2026

However, the internal workings of the observatory's X-ray and optical telescope might survive, McKnight said. — Leonard David, Space.com, 1 Nov. 2026

Teteles’s architects and inhabitants had a sophisticated understanding of astronomy—according to a statement from the INAH, the observatory was designed to track the Mesoamerican calendar. — News Desk, Artforum, 28 Oct. 2026

The observatory was developed following Halzen’s vision in the 1990s of building a detector deep beneath Antarctica’s surface. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 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