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

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. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 17 Dec. 2025

But future surveys may reveal more disguised events like AT2025ulz, especially with next-generation observatories coming online. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Dec. 2025

The observatory is named for NASA's second-ever administrator. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 16 Dec. 2025

This record is lucky to have survived, said Wolfgang Steinbrecht, a scientist with the German Weather Service who works at the observatory. —Chris Mooney, CNN Money, 15 Dec. 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