astronomer

noun

as·​tron·​o·​mer ə-ˈsträ-nə-mər How to pronounce astronomer (audio)
: a person who is skilled in astronomy or who makes observations of celestial phenomena

Examples of astronomer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Additional study of the hexagon and now a decagon could help astronomers compare formations on the opposite ends of Saturn and learn more about a gas giant's weather patterns, according to NASA. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 This kaleidoscopic introduction recalls the work of Percival Lowell, a 19th-century astronomer name-dropped in passing, who claimed to have discovered advanced irrigation on the red planet by way of telescopic observation. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026 The new musical, inspired by the life of groundbreaking astronomer and scientist Galileo Galilei, begins performances at the Shubert Theatre on Tuesday, November 10, with an opening night set for Sunday evening, December 6. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026 In the 1980s, astronomers detected an hexagonal wave—a six-sided shape—over the planet’s north pole. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for astronomer

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "one versed in astronomy or astrology," from astronomie astronomy + -er -er entry 2

Note: Alternatively, Oxford English Dictionary, third edition, and Middle English Dictionary see the English word as derived from Medieval and Late Latin astronomus "astronomer" (borrowed from Greek astronómos) plus the agent suffix -er.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of astronomer was in the 14th century

Rhymes for astronomer

See All Rhymes for astronomer

Browse Nearby Words

astronavigation
astronomer
astronomer's staff
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Astronomer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astronomer. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of apiary

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All