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

In 2010, astronomers anticipated another outburst, but fewer than 10 meteors per hour were reported. —Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 19 June 2026

The discovery could also help astronomers better understand the origin of some of the highest-energy particles in the universe. —Sam MacDonald, Scientific American, 19 June 2026

The Catholic astronomer and Harvard professor Karin Öberg has proposed that the existence of aliens doesn’t affect God’s relationship with humanity any more than the size of humanity affects his relationship with a particular human. —Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 18 June 2026

Scientists can draw on it to identify and study 100,000 exoplanets, hundreds of millions of galaxies, billions of stars, and rare objects and phenomena — including some that astronomers have never witnessed before. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 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