observatory

noun ob·ser·va·to·ry \ əb-ˈzər-və-ˌtȯr-ē \

Definition of observatory

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

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Examples of observatory in a Sentence

the observatory is located on a mountaintop

Recent Examples of observatory from the Web

About 1,000 folks came out to the observatory at Harford Community college Monday for the eclipse viewing event hosted by the Harford County Astronomical Society.

— david anderson, The Aegis, "Excited Harford County residents gather to view Monday's solar eclipse," 22 Aug. 2017
Astrologer Walter Mercado offers his interpretation Solar eclipse brings watch parties to local museums, observatoriesBonnie Tyler will sing hit ‘

— howard cohen, miamiherald, "Music with your eclipse? Here is the ultimate celestial soundtrack," 21 Aug. 2017
Shepard Smith will break into typical broadcasting on Fox News Channel from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to update viewers on the eclipse and introduce footage from NASA and observatories around the country.

— sandy cohen, kansascity, "Can’t see the solar eclipse? Here’s where to tune in online or on TV," 18 Aug. 2017
The observatory provides instructions on how to make your own pinhole viewer in its eclipse FAQ.

— kimberly armstrong, Cincinnati.com, "Where to watch Monday's solar eclipse for free around Greater Cincinnati," 17 Aug. 2017
In 1979, Straton's brother, who worked at an observatory, told him a solar eclipse would be taking place near his hometown of Portland, Oregon.

— eileen reslen, Country Living, "Want to See the Solar Eclipse? Here's Where the Weather Will Be Best," 17 Aug. 2017
The webcast will run through 3:20 p.m. EDT with special guests and live eclipse views form observatories in Africa, Asia an and Australia.

— leada gore, AL.com, "Partial lunar eclipse tonight: How to watch moon's show ahead of July 21 Great American Eclipse," 7 Aug. 2017
In March, the two observatories were meant to begin joint observations—which allow researchers to pinpoint the locations of sources of cosmic waves, such as merging black holes, more accurately.

— daniel clery, Science | AAAS, "European gravitational wave detector back in action," 1 Aug. 2017
Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s tallest mountain, has long been considered the best observatory site in the Northern Hemisphere and is already home to a passel of large telescopes.

— dennis overbye, New York Times, "Giant Telescope Atop Hawaii’s Mauna Kea Should Be Approved, Judge Says," 27 July 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of observatory

probably from New Latin observatorium, from Latin observare

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1673

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observatory Synonyms

Synonyms

lookout, outlook, overlook

Related Words

aerie, crow's nest, tower, watchtower; promontory

OBSERVATORY Defined for English Language Learners

observatory

noun

Definition of observatory for English Language Learners

: a special building for studying stars, planets, weather, etc. : a building from which scientists study and watch the sky

OBSERVATORY Defined for Kids

observatory

noun ob·ser·va·to·ry \ əb-ˈzər-və-ˌtȯr-ē \

Definition of observatory for Students

plural observatories

:a place that has instruments for making observations (as of the stars)

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See words that rhyme with observatory Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for observatory Spanish Central: Translation of observatory Nglish: Translation of observatory for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of observatory for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about observatory

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observatory

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