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

The sports betting website analyzed the top spots for stargazing based on dark sky quality, average elevation, fireball sightings in 2025 and astronomical observatories. —Hannah Poukish, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2025

However, deeper investigation with the Hubble Space Telescope and NASA's X-ray space observatory Chandra left scientists coming up empty-handed in terms of a companion star. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 July 2025

One of the two LIGO observatories could be closed if the cuts are made. —George Petras, USA Today, 16 July 2025

On November 23, 2023, twin observatories, collectively known as the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), detected a gravitational wave — a form of radiation distinct from the electromagnetic radiation captured by other observatories. —Ruairi MacKenzie, Discover Magazine, 16 July 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