First Known Use: 1676
Dictionary
observatory
noun ob·ser·va·to·ry \əb-ˈzər-və-ˌtȯr-ē\
: a special building for studying stars, planets, weather, etc. : a building from which scientists study and watch the sky
plural ob·ser·va·to·ries
Full Definition of OBSERVATORY
1
: a building or place given over to or equipped for observation of natural phenomena (as in astronomy); also : an institution whose primary purpose is making such observations
2
: a situation or structure commanding a wide view
See observatory defined for English-language learners
See observatory defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of OBSERVATORY
probably from New Latin observatorium, from Latin observare
Rhymes with OBSERVATORY
accusatory, admonitory, adulatory, a fortiori, aleatory, ambulatory, amendatory, applicatory, approbatory, celebratory, circulatory, combinatory, commendatory, compensatory, conciliatory, condemnatory, confirmatory, confiscatory, conservatory, consolatory, contributory, copulatory, cosignatory, declamatory, declaratory, dedicatory, defamatory, denigratory, depilatory, depository, derogatory, designatory, dispensatory, divinatory, escalatory, excitatory, exclamatory, exculpatory, excusatory, exhibitory, exhortatory, expiatory, expiratory, explanatory, explicatory, exploratory, expository, expurgatory, incubatory, indicatory, inflammatory, informatory, innovatory, inspiratory, inundatory, invitatory, judicatory, masticatory, masturbatory, memento mori, millefiori, obfuscatory, obligatory, performatory, persecutory, predicatory, premonitory, prohibitory, reformatory, regulatory, repository, retributory, revelatory, respiratory, salutatory, stipulatory, supplicatory, transmigratory, undulatory
OBSERVATORIES Defined for Kids
observatory
noun ob·ser·va·to·ry \əb-ˈzər-və-ˌtȯr-ē\
plural ob·ser·va·to·ries
Definition of OBSERVATORY for Kids
: a place that has instruments for making observations (as of the stars)
Learn More About OBSERVATORY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: observePrevious Word in the Dictionary: observatorialAll Words Near: observatory
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up observatory? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).