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

While astronomers don’t yet know exactly how big 3I/ATLAS could be, estimates range from a few hundred feet to a few miles across, according to the European Space Agency. —Eric Lagatta, AZCentral.com, 13 Dec. 2025

Apps like SkyView or SkySafari Pro could help stargazers and backyard astronomers spot the constellation. —Julia Gomez, USA Today, 13 Dec. 2025

In 2023, astronomers reported that some of these satellites were already photobombing images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope, as sunlight glinted off their surfaces leaving bright trails that erase, obscure or mimic genuine cosmic signals. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 12 Dec. 2025

But to astronomers, the images — taken from a telescopic array in southern California of cosmic events occurring thousands of light-years away — provide valuable insights. —Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 11 Dec. 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