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

Our clients started the day with a private visit to Griffith Park, the observatory and the solar telescope led by Mike Simmons. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Mar. 2026

The researchers hope to further study IRAS 05189-2524 with XRISM, as well as collect observations with the forthcoming NewAthena spacecraft, set to be the largest X-ray observatory ever built. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 17 Mar. 2026

Moskowitz has reported live from rocket launches, space shuttle liftoffs and landings, suborbital spaceflight training, mountaintop observatories, and more. —Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026

Also in Arizona, the International Dark Sky Discovery Center in Fountain Hills is slated to open mid-year as the world’s first visitor center dedicated to dark skies, with an observatory, planetarium, and research facilities. —Megan Eaves, Outside, 16 Mar. 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