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
Examples of observatory in a Sentence
the observatory is located on a mountaintop
Recent Examples on the Web
Operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Aastronomy (AURA) NOIRLab manages world-class observatories in both hemispheres.
—
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 30 Sep. 2025
Such structures, researchers note, may also have served as territorial markers, ritual spaces, or solar observatories aligned with events like the summer solstice.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2025
With low-light pollution and high altitudes, the observatory offers visitors the chance to view pristine night skies, sometimes including the Northern Lights, from its roll-off roof.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
Located near the Painted Desert in Northern Arizona, Roden Crater is a monumental art installation and observatory created within a volcanic cinder cone by artist James Turrell, who started developing the project in 1977.
—Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 26 Sep. 2025
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Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 30 Sep. 2025
Such structures, researchers note, may also have served as territorial markers, ritual spaces, or solar observatories aligned with events like the summer solstice.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2025
With low-light pollution and high altitudes, the observatory offers visitors the chance to view pristine night skies, sometimes including the Northern Lights, from its roll-off roof.
—Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025
Located near the Painted Desert in Northern Arizona, Roden Crater is a monumental art installation and observatory created within a volcanic cinder cone by artist James Turrell, who started developing the project in 1977.
—Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for observatory
Cite this Entry
“Observatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observatory. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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