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

Pandora will help astronomers account for such complexity, if all goes to plan. —Mike Wall, Space.com, 10 Jan. 2026

Space agencies have the challenge of keeping the astronomers’ endless desires under strict control – building to cost must come first. —Martin Elvis, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2026

While astronomers have observed hydrogen clouds before, Cloud-9 stands out as compact and spherical rather than being irregular in size. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026

The astronomers found 76 asteroids with reliable rotation periods. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 8 Jan. 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