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

Occasionally, bits of the accretion disk fall into the black hole, causing visible flare-ups that astronomers can observe and document. —Isaac Schultz / Gizmodo, Quartz, 7 May 2024

But the new technology could help identify asteroids that may be potentially hazardous, helping astronomers keep tabs on space rocks for planetary defense. —Aaron Boorstein, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 May 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