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

Bright nighttime skies are on the way in Michigan as the year's first full supermoon will rise in the sky Monday, astronomers say. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 5 Oct. 2025

Clarity in sight Because the Kuiper Belt is difficult to observe, astronomers rely on studying the orbits of a limited number of objects to infer the presence of a planet. —Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025

Probably the most noteworthy lunar feature is Tycho, a prominent lunar impact crater located in the southern lunar highlands, named after the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025

That's why, even though the comet poses no threat to Earth, the world's astronomers and space agencies are racing to study planetary material that formed from another star. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 2 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