astronomer
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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.
Scotland's Astronomer Royal, Catherine Heymans, speaking for the UK community of astronomers, told the science select committee that the proposed cuts were "genuinely catastrophic and will be devastating for the UK."
From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026
Astronomer Amina Helmi also welcomed the findings, noting that the problem has challenged researchers for decades.
From Science Daily • Mar. 6, 2026
What’s important is that the ad was a win for Astronomer and, more critically, Paltrow.
From Salon • Dec. 22, 2025
"There's basically no way that this companion is not somehow connected to that dust production," said Steward Observatory Associate Astronomer Steve Ertel, a co-author of the study.
From Science Daily • Dec. 17, 2025
He returned to Denmark in 1681, becoming Astronomer Royal and Director of the Royal Observatory in Copenhagen, where he died on 23 September 1710.
From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin
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.
