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

Presented by affable astronomers Anne Buckle and Graham Jones, the livestreams feature real-time animations, maps, times, expert guests and feeds from around the world. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025

Early astronomers were also astrologers, charting the stars to measure time and interpret their influence on human life. —Christopher P. Scheitle, The Conversation, 5 Sep. 2025

That's why, even though the comet poses no threat to Earth, the world's astronomers and space agencies are racing to harness a rare opportunity to study planetary material that formed from another star. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025

Capturing a protoplanetary disk from the edge-on perspective is rather rare and allows astronomers to study how dusts grains settle, grow and migrate within the disk. —Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 4 Sep. 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