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

Chinese astronomers also witnessed a red aurora around the same time period. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 22 May 2026

In a sense, that’s too bad because seeing a galactic collision from the inside would be an astronomer’s dream! —Phil Plait, Scientific American, 22 May 2026

Even though astronomers have directly observed the object hurtling toward Earth, its exact size is unknown. —Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 18 May 2026

Although its trajectory periodically brings it relatively close to Earth, astronomers say current calculations rule out any collision risk. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 May 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