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

So far, astronomers have not detected any stupendously large black holes — currently, the largest black hole known may weigh about 36 billion suns. — Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Other GRBs are also thought to pulse, so this feature of Lucifer hasn’t thrown too many astronomers for a loop. — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Globalstar has 25 satellites in operational orbit, with another eight moving into position, following a recent launch, according to astronomer Jonathan McDowell. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026

Instead, the team calculated their color from data astronomers routinely collect—a star’s spectrum. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 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