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 Related article ‘Dinky’ asteroid has a tiny companion that baffles astronomers NASA and ESA have teamed up on other asteroid missions before. —

Ashley Strickland, CNN, 16 July 2024 Despite astronomers’ ongoing monitoring of Jupiter, however, after 1713 this spot seems to have disappeared. —

Phil Plait, Scientific American, 12 July 2024 Several studies have previously detected what possibly could be a medium-sized black hole in the star cluster, but some astronomers have questioned those findings. —

Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 July 2024 Getting a better sense of this black hole's history could provide more perspective on some questions that are currently vexing astronomers. —

John Timmer, Ars Technica, 10 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for astronomer

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'astronomer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler

The first known use of astronomer was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century