observation

noun ob·ser·va·tion \ ˌäb-sər-ˈvā-shən , -zər- \

Definition of observation

1 a :an act or instance of observing a custom, rule, or law

observation of the dress code

b :observance 3

The characters in her novel are based on close observation of her family.

2 a :an act of recognizing and noting a fact or occurrence often involving measurement with instruments

weather observations

b :a record or description so obtained

Scientific observations were sent to the committee.

3 :a judgment on or inference (see inference 1) from what one has observed; broadly :remark, statement

an insightful observation

based his observations on his own research

4 obsolete :attentive care :heed

5 :the condition of one that is observed

under observation at the hospital

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observational

play \ˌäb-sər-ˈvā-shnəl, -shə-nᵊl, -zər-\ adjective

—

observationally

adverb

See observation defined for English-language learners

See observation defined for kids

Examples of observation in a Sentence

I'm not criticizing that kind of clothing. I'm just making an observation about the style.
Her constant observations about the weather bored me.
These facts are based on close observation of the birds in the wild.
Observations made using the telescope have led to new theories.
Some interesting observations came from the study.
He recorded his observations in a notebook.

Recent Examples of observation from the Web

Also, observations within an area would still be available only from specific points.

— chicago tribune, chicagotribune.com, "Ask Tom: Is it misleading to use one point for weather records when they vary so much over a few miles?," 16 Aug. 2017
In modern times, some of the most precise measurements of light-bending have come from radio observations of distant galaxies.

— dennis overbye, The Seattle Times, "The eclipse that revealed the universe," 4 Aug. 2017
More: Cards safety P.J. Blue out with knee injury More:Trevon Young, the 'Wolverine,' heals from devastating hip injury Football: Practice observations from first day of camp Here is this week's episode.

— jeff greer, The Courier-Journal, "CardsHQ podcast: A chat with college football analytics guru Bill Connelly," 1 Aug. 2017
Here are some other notes and observations from Auburn's first day of practice: -- Freshman defensive back Carlito Gonzalez is still not listed on Auburn's official roster.

— tom green, AL.com, "Auburn practice observations: Jason Smith working as 4th safety," 31 July 2017
One of the best ways to find your bearings in a new location is to see it from above, but rather than splurging on a £26 ticket to the Shard's observation deck, invest that money in cocktails at the Aqua Shard bar on the building's 31st floor.

— caroline hallemann, Town & Country, "The Best Time of Year to Visit London Might Surprise You," 25 July 2017
Shakespeare's poetic observations inspire visual voyage through landscapes-enchanted and real, and dreams-light and dark.

— luann gibbs, Cincinnati.com, "Free and fun events this weekend: July 21-23," 20 July 2017
To develop its map, NOAA incorporated just 10 years of data and relied on cloud cover information from ground observations, rather than satellite data.

— jason samenow, Washington Post, "Seeking clear skies for the solar eclipse? Use this map as a guide.," 19 July 2017
Since the mid-1850s, Thoreau had filled his journals with observations about the mechanisms that enabled seeds to disperse.

— Longreads, "Late in Life, Thoreau Became a Serious Darwinist," 13 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'observation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of observation

Middle French, from Latin observation-, observatio, from observare

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

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observation Synonyms

Near Antonyms

disregard, neglect, obliviousness, unawareness

observation

adjective

Definition of observation

:designed for use in viewing something (such as scenery) or in making observations

an observation tower

the observation platform

See observation defined for English-language learners

Origin and Etymology of observation

see ¹observation

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1862

See Words from the same year

OBSERVATION Defined for English Language Learners

observation

noun

Definition of observation for English Language Learners

: a statement about something you have noticed : a comment or remark
: the act of careful watching and listening : the activity of paying close attention to someone or something in order to get information
: something you notice by watching and listening