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

However, over time astronomers conclusively showed that this event was indeed real and originated in a distant galaxy. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 26 June 2026

But tracing exactly where neutrinos come from when detectors such as Antarctica’s IceCube Neutrino Observatory alert their presence has proven more difficult for astronomers. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 26 June 2026

Magnitude is the scale used by astronomers to measure the apparent brightness of an object in the night sky. — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 26 June 2026

The same situation also occurs for any nearby planets, allowing astronomers to identify otherwise invisible subjects. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 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