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

• tower
• overlook
• lookout

Examples of observatory in a Sentence

the observatory is located on a mountaintop

Recent Examples on the Web

Leaving from Tambo del Inka’s platform makes the trip an enjoyable journey, whether snacking in the dining car or taking in the region’s natural beauty through its panoramic observatory. —Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

Most large observatories are in the Southern Hemisphere, where 3I/ATLAS will be best placed, so expect numerous images to be shared over the coming days and weeks. —Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2025

These observatories triangulate cosmic radio signals to determine Earth’s orientation in space. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025

However, for the Compton gamma-ray observatory, the Sun was actually a safe target. —Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 4 Sep. 2025

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