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

Today, astronomers know of dozens in our galaxy and have detected hundreds more through gravitational waves from distant cosmic collisions. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 15 Feb. 2026

With 2026 aligning with the roughly 80-year rhythm of past outbursts, however, astronomers have shifted some attention to late June. —Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026

To date, astronomers have managed to detect about 300 such mergers via their associated crescendos of gravitational waves. —Phil Plait, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2026

Because eclipses can only happen at new moon (solar eclipse) and full moon (lunar eclipse), when the Earth, moon and sun line up in space — an alignment astronomers call syzygy. —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 13 Feb. 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