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

Spend your days scuba diving the reefs of the Kona coast and your nights stargazing at the Mauna Kea observatory. —Lila Harron Battis, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2024

His old college roommate Timo lost his job at the observatory in Puerto Rico when the big radio telescope, weak from age and neglect, fell apart. —Annie Proulx, The New Yorker, 30 June 2024

The national observatory on Monday issued an orange alert for high temperatures – the second most severe warning – as sweltering heat engulfed the country’s north. —Nectar Gan, CNN, 10 June 2024

Like an underwater observatory, the landers are equipped with a variety of tools that collect samples and run experiments. —Robin Catalano, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably from New Latin observatorium, from Latin observare

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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