cosmonaut

[ koz-muh-nawt, -not ]

noun

1. a Russian or Soviet astronaut.

cosmonaut

/ ˈkɒzməˌnɔːt /

noun

1. an astronaut, esp in the former Soviet Union

cosmonaut

1. A crew member of a space mission launched by the former Soviet Union .

Other Words From

• cosmo·nautic adjective
• cosmo·nauti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of cosmonaut¹

1955–60; cosmo- + (aero)naut, representing Russian kosmonávt

Word History and Origins

Origin of cosmonaut¹

C20: from Russian kosmonavt, from cosmo- + Greek nautēs sailor; compare Argonaut

Example Sentences

The 136-page long story, which is Harvey's fifth novel, takes place over a single day in the life of six astronauts and cosmonauts.

From BBC

Perhaps not coincidentally, that’s the same year Russian cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to venture into space.

From Los Angeles Times

The first man in space, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, squeezed beef and liver paste into his mouth from an aluminum tube.

From Seattle Times

He was among three US astronauts and a Russian cosmonaut who successfully arrived at the station on Tuesday.

From BBC

It meant intensive language training, being followed by the KGB while in the Soviet Union, and lifelong friendships with cosmonauts.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• pilot