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.
The finding, which was detailed in a study published Wednesday in the journal Nature, also allowed the team of astronomers to map the galaxy — known as UGC 9050-Dw1 — and its gravitational field by modeling the stream. — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026 The prevalence of LRDs in the early universe would align with the emergence of supermassive black holes, each weighing millions to billions of suns apiece, which astronomers spy at the hearts of large galaxies. — Lee Billings, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2026 Recently, astronomers have been finding that some of these objects are placed within the center of young galaxies whose light has been traveling for about 12 billion years, give or take a billion, to reach us. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 12 Aug. 2026 After incorporating a black hole into their simulations, astronomers compared their results with observations from JWST. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 12 Aug. 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

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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 15 Aug. 2026.

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