astronomer

noun

as·​tron·​o·​mer ə-ˈsträ-nə-mər 

: 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

Mark Gallaway, an astronomer and science educator at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London, told Newsweek. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

The finding adds another piece to the puzzle as astronomers seek to understand the remains this unusual supernova left behind. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024

The citadel is thought to have housed a population of around 500 royals, philosophers, astronomers, and climate scientists — all of whom had been involved in designing and organizing the project. —Monisha Rajesh, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2024

The 20th-century Dutch astronomer Jan Oort, intrigued by the long-period comets, wrote a paper on them in 1950. —James Wray, Discover Magazine, 18 Oct. 2024

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