observatory

noun

ob·ser·va·to·ry | \əb-ˈzər-və-ˌtȯr-ē

plural observatories

Definition of observatory

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 Example Sentences Learn More about observatory

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Synonyms for observatory

Synonyms

lookout, outlook, overlook

Examples of observatory in a Sentence

the observatory is located on a mountaintop

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, the observatory itself had morphed into a relief center. — Sarah Scoles, WIRED, "Puerto Rico's Observatory Is Still Recovering From Hurricane Maria," 15 June 2018 The observatory offers both daytime solar viewings and guided constellation tours at night. — Megan Michelson, Outside Online, "These Are the Best Stargazing Spots in North America," 13 July 2018 The observatory spans one cubic kilometer of ice and consists of 5,160 sensors strung along cables and sunk deep into the ice. — Mark Johnson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Blazing a trail: UW professor's dream leads to breakthrough in identifying origin of cosmic rays," 12 July 2018 As the news spread, other observatories enthusiastically jumped on the bandwagon and a broad range of observations ensued. — Smithsonian, "Scientists Explain The Thrill of Detecting a Neutrino From a Far-Off Galaxy," 12 July 2018 The exoplanet count, from all observatories in space and on Earth over the past couple of decades, stands at more than 3,700 confirmed with 4,500 on the strong contender list. — Marcia Dunn, The Christian Science Monitor, "NASA's Tess spacecraft on a mission to find new planets," 13 Apr. 2018 The exoplanet count, from all observatories in space and on Earth over the past couple of decades, stands at more than 3,700 confirmed with 4,500 on the strong contender list. — Fox News, "NASA Tess spacecraft to prowl for planets as galactic scout," 13 Apr. 2018 The exoplanet count, from all observatories in space and on Earth over the past couple of decades, stands at more than 3,700 confirmed with 4,500 on the strong contender list. — Marcia Dunn, OrlandoSentinel.com, "NASA's new planet hunter set to launch from Cape Canaveral on Monday," 12 Apr. 2018 Not included in the deal are residential condominiums, retail and restaurant space, the 360 Chicago observatory and broadcast antennas atop the tower — all of which have separate owners. — Ryan Ori, chicagotribune.com, "Former John Hancock Center is getting a new owner: Sterling Bay," 12 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'observatory.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.