observatory

[ uh b-zur-vuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

/ əbˈzɜr vəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR observatory ON THESAURUS.COM

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.

RELATED WORDS

lookout, tower

Nearby words

observant, observation, observation car, observation post, observational, observatory, observe, observer, obsess, obsessed, obsession

Origin of observatory

1670–80; < Latin observā(re) to observe + -tory²

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for observatory

Lenormand managed to jump publicly from an observatory and survive.
The High-Flying Secrets of BASE Jumpers|William O’Connor|August 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The instrument is attached to the Anglo-Australian Telescope at the Siding Spring Observatory, northwest of Sydney, Australia.
SAMI Is Like Google Earth for the Universe|Matthew R. Francis|July 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
According to the Syrian Observatory the suicide bombing of the rebel checkpoint in Idlib province caused a massive explosion.
Experts: Al Qaeda Infighting In Syria Leaves 700 Dead|Jamie Dettmer|January 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In all, the Observatory says it has documented 125,835 casualties since the start of the rebellion on March 18, 2011.
Assad: Our Century’s Bloodiest Dictator?|Jamie Dettmer|December 4, 2013|DAILY BEAST

The Observatory believes a further 19,256 pro-regime militiamen have been killed.
Assad: Our Century’s Bloodiest Dictator?|Jamie Dettmer|December 4, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Quito, with a position unparalleled for astronomical purposes, has no observatory.
The Andes and the Amazon|James Orton
We had lingered in the Park longer than usual, slowly pacing the broad avenue leading from the Observatory to the Heath.
Paul Kelver|Jerome Klapka, AKA Jerome K. Jerome
The Prophet stepped down into his observatory, and turned his telescope on Saragossa.
The Days of Chivalry|Ernest Louis Victor Jules L'Epine
The editorial office was like an observatory, from which one could study the world and watch history in the making.
August Strindberg, the Spirit of Revolt|L. (Lizzy) Lind-af-Hageby
“Come now, let us ascend to the observatory,” said the hermit, when all the things in the library had been examined.
Blown to Bits|R.M. Ballantyne

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

observatory

noun, plural ob·serv·a·to·ries.

RELATED CONTENT

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of observatory

Examples from the Web for observatory

British Dictionary definitions for observatory

observatory

noun plural -ries