observatory

noun

ob·​ser·​va·​to·​ry əb-ˈzər-və-ˌtȯr-ē 

plural observatories

1

: a building or place given over to or equipped for observation of natural phenomena (as in astronomy)

also : an institution whose primary purpose is making such observations

2

: a situation or structure commanding a wide view

Synonyms of observatory

• tower
• overlook
• lookout

Examples of observatory in a Sentence

the observatory is located on a mountaintop

Recent Examples on the Web

All around her are architectural remnants of those heady days, like the 1910 Art Nouveau observatory on the edge of the Danube Canal—reminders that a place’s status as a scientific powerhouse is only as secure as the geopolitics that surrounds it. —Veronique Greenwood, Time, 24 Feb. 2026

The observatory is named for NASA's second-ever administrator. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 24 Feb. 2026

While shooting her previous feature in Chile, McAlpine noticed donkeys hanging out around an observatory. —Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026

The finished product, the observatory, looks like a huge green space on the inside. —Cbs Baltimore Staff, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin observātōrium "place for observing celestial phenomena," from Latin observāre "to give attention, watch carefully, observe" + -tōrium, suffix of place, noun derivative from neuter of -tōrius, deverbal adjective suffix originally forming derivatives from agent nouns ending in -tōr-, -tor

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for observatory

• accusatory
• admonitory
• ambulatory
• amendatory
• celebratory
• circulatory
• combinatory
• commendatory
• compensatory
• condemnatory
• confirmatory
• confiscatory

Kids Definition

observatory

noun

ob·​ser·​va·​to·​ry əb-ˈzər-və-ˌtōr-ē 

-ˌtȯr-

plural observatories

1

: a place or institution equipped with instruments for observation of natural objects and events (as in astronomy)

2

: a place providing a wide view