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 the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), astronomers have studied 72 young, sun-like stars. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026

With it, astronomers will have a new tool to probe some of the universe’s greatest mysteries. — Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 27 Aug. 2026

Those measurements will help astronomers measure the varying expansion rate of the universe. — Don Figer, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026

In June, astronomers noted a surface eruption increased the comet’s luminosity by almost 10 magnitudes—making it around 8,000 times brighter than usual. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 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