observatory

American  

[uhb-zur-vuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / əbˈzɜr vəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

noun

observatories plural

1. 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.

2. an institution that controls or carries on the work of such a place.

3. a place or structure that provides an extensive view; lookout.

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observatory British  

/ -trɪ, əbˈzɜːvətərɪ /

noun

1. an institution or building specially designed and equipped for observing meteorological and astronomical phenomena

2. any building or structure providing an extensive view of its surroundings

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Etymology

Origin of observatory

1670–80; < Latin observā ( re ) to observe + -tory ²

Explanation

An observatory is a structure that holds a large telescope for observing the stars and planets or some celestial event. If you want to check out a lunar eclipse, then head to your nearest observatory. Observatories for examining the distant sky are typically located far from large cities, since light pollution makes it more difficult to see celestial bodies like stars and planets, or events like meteor showers. Another kind of observatory is quite simply a very tall, often skinny building meant for looking down over a city or its coastline. Observatory comes from the verb observe, or "watch," which in turn is rooted in the Latin observare, "watch over or guard."

Example Sentences

The commission said last week it would establish a "fuel observatory" to track EU production, imports, exports and stock levels of transport fuels.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

One of the biggest setbacks came in 2022, when the Contras wildfire disrupted power and internet service at the observatory for months.

From Science Daily • Apr. 28, 2026

Proposals range from coordinating emergency oil releases and tracking jet fuel supplies via a new observatory to boosting clean energy in a bid to curb price volatility.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Matthew McMahon, the museum collections officer at the observatory, said the exhibition deliberately focused not on Öpik's scientific achievements, but on his personal story.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Alone in the observatory late one night, I heard the telephone ring persistently.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan