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

There are always big, burning science questions that often serve as the motivation for any new facility or observatory. —Big Think, 11 Mar. 2026

Telescope built from lenses Unlike traditional observatories that rely on large mirrors, MOTHRA uses an array of 1,140 Canon telephoto lenses. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Mar. 2026

Multiple new space observatories, including the Near-Earth Object Surveyor and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, are in development at NASA, along with the concept of the Habitable World Observatory. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026

Additional structures include a 2,000-square-foot art studio and a 2,175-square-foot art gallery, as well as a two-story guesthouse, a private chapel donning a replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà statue, an observatory, and an auto showroom with a 12-car garage. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 10 Mar. 2026

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