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

Research published a few years back in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS) indicates another very clever method that astronomers could implement with a future space telescope. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026

This program, led by astronomer Megan Weiner Mansfield at the University of Maryland, is examining a group of 10 different lava worlds to see at which temperatures these planets tend to form atmospheres. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 29 Sep. 2026

The discovery could give astronomers a rare look at the earliest stages of planetary formation and help refine theories about how giant worlds like Jupiter come together. — Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026

When such a fortuitous alignment occurs, amateur astronomers can discern things about the asteroid that professionals can’t readily measure, even with their giant telescopes on high mountains. — David Schneider, IEEE Spectrum, 24 Sep. 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