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

As one half of the International Gemini Observatory, the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii provides astronomers with a window into the distant universe, from growing stars to evolving galaxies. —Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 17 Oct. 2025

Observers eventually found many other similar objects, which were collectively given the catchall name Seyfert galaxies (after American astronomer Carl Seyfert, who discovered several of them). —Phil Plait, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2025

Many questions linger about odd radio circles, including why astronomers only see them at such large sizes. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025

Gravitational lensing helps astronomers detect mystery object A worldwide network of radio telescopes, including the Green Bank Telescope in West Virginia and the Very Long Baseline Array in Hawaii, helped astronomers detect the mysterious object in question. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025

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