astronomy

noun

as·​tron·​o·​my ə-ˈsträ-nə-mē How to pronounce astronomy (audio)
plural astronomies
: the study of objects and matter outside the earth's atmosphere and of their physical and chemical properties

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The Difference Between Astronomy and Astrology

Some may find it easy to confuse astronomy and astrology. At one time, these two words actually were synonymous (that is, astronomy once meant what astrology means today), but they have since moved apart from each other. In current use, astronomy is concerned with “the study of objects and matter outside the earth's atmosphere,” while astrology is the purported divination of how stars and planets influence our lives. Put bluntly, astronomy is a science, and astrology is not.

Examples of astronomy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Now, local astronomy clubs across the country host Messier marathon nights, and Catlett has participated in two with the astronomers in Texas. Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Mar. 2024 The shock of his sudden, irrevocable disappearance propelled me deeper into my astronomy books. Adam Frank, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2024 Doing so won’t ruin your experience and will document the activities of your family, friends, or astronomy club. 25. Michael E. Bakich, Discover Magazine, 24 Feb. 2024 What is a total solar eclipse? Phyllis Lugger, an astronomy professor at IU Bloomington, witnessed a total eclipse of the sun in August of 2017 while in Salem, Oregon. Marina Johnson, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Feb. 2024 Delta flight 1218 will leave Austin at 12:15 p.m local time on April 8, where the partial eclipse is expected to last from 12:17 to 2:58 p.m, with totality occurring at 1:36 p.m., according to the University of Texas at Austin’s astronomy department. Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2024 People often ask me what prompted my fascination with astronomy. Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024 Intrigued by this problem, I've been inspired to look beyond astronomy for solutions. Nia Imara, Scientific American, 20 Feb. 2024 Jason Wright, professor of astronomy and astrophysics at Penn State, gives us a reassuring answer. Danuta Hamlin, Fox News, 18 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'astronomy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English astronomie "study of celestial bodies, including their possible influence on human affairs," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French astronomie, borrowed from Latin astronomia, borrowed from Greek astronomía "study of the stars, especially their movements," from astro- astro- + -nomia -nomy

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of astronomy was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near astronomy

Cite this Entry

“Astronomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/astronomy. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

astronomy

noun
as·​tron·​o·​my ə-ˈsträn-ə-mē How to pronounce astronomy (audio)
plural astronomies
: the science of the heavenly bodies and of their sizes, motions, and composition
astronomer
-mər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on astronomy

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