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

When Webb takes a picture of a distant galaxy, astronomers like me are actually seeing what that galaxy looked like billions of years ago. —Adi Foord, Space.com, 26 July 2025

And it's revered by astronomers for its stargazing opportunities; the International Dark Sky Association named Bryce Canyon a Dark Sky Park in 2019. —Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025

This can be done with multiple sky cameras set up in various locations; if a meteor streaks across their field of view, the multiple vantages can allow astronomers to triangulate on the rock and measure its path. —Phil Plait, Scientific American, 25 July 2025

The Perseids, considered by astronomers to be the best meteor shower of the year, began on July 17 and are expected to last until Aug. 23, according to AMS. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 24 July 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