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

• lookout
• outlook
• overlook

Examples of observatory in a Sentence

the observatory is located on a mountaintop

Recent Examples on the Web

Eruptions at Mauna Loa caused an interruption to power at the observatory in 2022, NOAA said. —Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 6 June 2025

Explosions are still increasing in intensity and the mountain is spewing out a very small amount of lava and fire, the observatory added. —Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 2 June 2025

The observatory reportedly also stated that the explosions are growing in intensity. —Abigail Adams, People.com, 2 June 2025

Even the almighty James Webb Space Telescope, which can see farther out in space—and further back in time—than any other observatory, has yet to see any clear evidence (direct or indirect) of a Population III star. —Robin George Andrews, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 May 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