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Definition of observatory

observatory

/əbˈzɜːrvətɔːri/
ob · ser · va · to · ry
Plural:observatories
•
Adjective:observatorial
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observatory Lexical Profile

observatory Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A building, facility, or spacecraft equipped with telescopes and other specialized instruments for observing and studying astronomical, meteorological, or geophysical phenomena.

Example

"Astronomers at the mountaintop observatory tracked the newly discovered comet throughout the night."

2

An elevated structure, room, or position affording an extensive panoramic view.

Example

"Visitors took the high-speed elevator to the rooftop observatory to admire the city skyline."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for observatory

• Rhymes for observatory

• Nearby Words

observation
observational
observationally
observatory
observe
observer
obsess

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 17th century from French observatoire, formed from Modern Latin observatorium, from Latin observatus, the past participle of observare ('to watch, attend to').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Observatory. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/observatory
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