astronomer
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of astronomer
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English; see origin at astronomy, -er 1
Explanation
A scientist who studies the objects in the sky, including planets, galaxies, black holes, and stars, is called an astronomer. These days, the terms astronomer and astrophysicist are used interchangeably, to talk about any physicist who specializes in celestial bodies and the forces that affect them. Astronomers use telescopes and cameras to observe the stars and other objects in the sky, and they often use complicated math to make predictions and solve puzzles about their movements and locations. The Greek root, astronomia, literally means "star arrangement."
Vocabulary lists containing astronomer
Occupations
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Space Science (Astronomy) - Introductory
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astro, aster
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The material, alongside Russian-language sources and collaboration with other academics, including the University of Tartu and former astronomer Dr John Butler, formed the basis of the exhibition at the planetarium.
From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026
If you’re an astronomer, it’s people confusing what you do with astrology.
From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026
It narrates the bittersweet adventures of the titular astronomer and his surveyor sidekick who carved the boundary separating slave states from free.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026
"Several scenarios had been proposed to explain this emission," explains Yaël Nazé, an astronomer at ULiège.
From Science Daily • Mar. 25, 2026
The latter came from historian Mann and her Toledo colleague, astronomer Jerry Fields.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
