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.
If you’re an astronomer, it’s people confusing what you do with astrology.
From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026
"Several scenarios had been proposed to explain this emission," explains Yaël Nazé, an astronomer at ULiège.
From Science Daily • Mar. 25, 2026
"Enthusiastic astronomer" Nazish was out moon spotting with her three nieces and nephews and said she wanted to pass on the skill.
From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026
Overall, SpaceX has 9,451 satellites currently in low-Earth orbit, or LEO, according to Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer who tracks space launches on his website.
From MarketWatch • Jan. 12, 2026
An astronomer looked through his new telescope into the stars one morning and then refused to ever look to the heavens again.
From "Breadcrumbs" by Anne Ursu
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.
