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

Astrophotographers can stack images and use software to remove trails (as if post-processing wasn't already time-consuming enough), but for astronomers, mega-constellations can hugely affect spectroscopic data and wide-field surveys, such as the Rubin Observatory. —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 12 June 2026

While the mission was designed with dark energy, dark matter, and exoplanets in mind, Roman’s unprecedented observational capability will offer practically limitless opportunities for astronomers to explore all kinds of cosmic topics. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026

It’s expected that an old galaxy will fizzle out over billions of years, but astronomers’ expectations were turned upside down when the James Webb came online in 2022 and observed a whole graveyard of moribund galaxies when the universe was still in its infancy. —Frank Landymore, Futurism, 10 June 2026

With its unique composition, astronomers are beginning to better understand the processes that shaped not only the moon and Earth, but the solar system itself. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 June 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