ob·ser·va·tion
ˌäb-sər-ˈvā-shən 
-zər-
1
a
: an act or instance of observing a custom, rule, or law
observation of the dress code
b
: observance sense 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 sense 2) from what one has observed
4
obsolete
: attentive care : heed
5
: the condition of one that is observed
under observation at the hospital
observationally
adverb
: designed for use in viewing something (such as scenery) or in making observations
an observation tower
the observation platform
Synonyms
Examples of observation in a Sentence
Noun
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.
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Recent Examples on the Web
Pitchfork, 6 Dec. 2023
The past nine years have been the hottest nine in 174 years of recorded scientific observations.
—Hiroko Tabuchi, New York Times, 5 Dec. 2023
This data set spans two decades (1981 to 2001) of observations of the earth’s sea surface temperature made from satellites and sensors on ships.
—IEEE Spectrum, 5 Dec. 2023
The digital director is known for a specific kind of output that feels uniquely Goth Shakira: one that combines an esoteric gaze with an artistic one — a sharp observation of the world around us and worlds beyond us.
—Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2023
His second book of everyday observations is loaded with detours, digressions, and humor.
—Karen Campbell, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Dec. 2023
There are now almost 30 buoys and weather observation stations across Lake Superior.
—Carol Thompson The Detroit News (tns), arkansasonline.com, 27 Nov. 2023
Astronomers may instead turn to a decades-old technique called interferometry, where observations from radio telescopes large distances apart combine to mimic the resolution of a much larger telescope.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 23 Nov. 2023
According to their observations, army ants generally choose to construct bridges in the most efficient locations—places wide enough to necessitate a building project while simultaneously using the least number of ants possible.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2023
Julia Musto, Fox News, 17 Mar. 2021
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Noun
A lot of the State Champion frontman’s observations emerge this way: a little bit of angst, a lot of curiosity, and a rare ability to twist expectations to land the perfect punchline.
—Pitchfork, 6 Dec. 2023
The past nine years have been the hottest nine in 174 years of recorded scientific observations.
—Hiroko Tabuchi, New York Times, 5 Dec. 2023
This data set spans two decades (1981 to 2001) of observations of the earth’s sea surface temperature made from satellites and sensors on ships.
—IEEE Spectrum, 5 Dec. 2023
The digital director is known for a specific kind of output that feels uniquely Goth Shakira: one that combines an esoteric gaze with an artistic one — a sharp observation of the world around us and worlds beyond us.
—Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2023
His second book of everyday observations is loaded with detours, digressions, and humor.
—Karen Campbell, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Dec. 2023
There are now almost 30 buoys and weather observation stations across Lake Superior.
—Carol Thompson The Detroit News (tns), arkansasonline.com, 27 Nov. 2023
Astronomers may instead turn to a decades-old technique called interferometry, where observations from radio telescopes large distances apart combine to mimic the resolution of a much larger telescope.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 23 Nov. 2023
According to their observations, army ants generally choose to construct bridges in the most efficient locations—places wide enough to necessitate a building project while simultaneously using the least number of ants possible.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2023
Adjective
Other pre-observation activities and further tests are set to be conducted this week.
—Julia Musto, Fox News, 17 Mar. 2021
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'observation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing observation
Dictionary Entries Near observation
Cite this Entry
“Observation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observation. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
observation
noun
ob·ser·va·tion
ˌäb-sər-ˈvā-shən,
-zər-
1
: an act or an instance of observing a custom, rule, or law
2
: an act or the power of seeing or fixing the mind upon something
3
: an act of gathering information (as for scientific studies) by noting facts or occurrences
weather observations
4
: an opinion formed or expressed after observing
5
: the state of being observed
was in the hospital for observation
observational
adjective
-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
Medical Definition
observation
noun
ob·ser·va·tion
ˌäb-sər-ˈvā-shən, -zər-
1
: the noting of a fact or occurrence (as in nature) often involving the measurement of some magnitude with suitable instruments
temperature observations
also
: a record so obtained
2
: close watch or examination (as to monitor or diagnose a condition)
postoperative observation
psychiatric observation
More from Merriam-Webster on observation
Nglish: Translation of observation for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of observation for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about observation
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