observatory
[ uhb-zur-vuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]
/ əbˈzɜr vəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /
noun, plural ob·serv·a·to·ries.
a place or building equipped and used for making observations of astronomical, meteorological, or other natural phenomena, especially a place equipped with a powerful telescope for observing the planets and stars.
an institution that controls or carries on the work of such a place.
a place or structure that provides an extensive view; lookout.
QUIZZES
BEAT THE DOLDRUMS WITH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ!
We know you’ll tackle this quiz totis viribus! See how many words from the week of Oct 12–18, 2020 you get right!
Question 1 of 7
What does “Indigenous” mean?
Words nearby observatory
observant, observation, observational, observation car, observation post, observatory, observe, observer, obsess, obsessed, obsession
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for observatory
British Dictionary definitions for observatory
observatory
/ (əbˈzɜːvətərɪ, -trɪ) /
noun plural -ries
an institution or building specially designed and equipped for observing meteorological and astronomical phenomena
any building or structure providing an extensive view of its surroundings
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012