observatory
noun
ob·ser·va·to·ry
əb-ˈzər-və-ˌtȯr-ē 
plural observatories
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
Examples of observatory in a Sentence
the observatory is located on a mountaintop
Recent Examples on the Web
Three years ago this month, Vice President Kamala Harris moved into her official residence in northwest Washington, a quiet 73-acre enclave where the U.S. Navy keeps an observatory as well as the nation’s master clock.
—
Robert Draper, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024
Look into local observatories or stargazing tours to up the astronomical ante.
—Maya Silver, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for observatory 
Robert Draper, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024
Look into local observatories or stargazing tours to up the astronomical ante.
—Maya Silver, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for observatory
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'observatory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near observatory
Cite this Entry
“Observatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observatory. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
observatory
noun
ob·ser·va·to·ry
əb-ˈzər-və-ˌtōr-ē
-ˌtȯr-
plural observatories
1
: a place or institution equipped with instruments for observation of natural objects and events (as in astronomy)
2
: a place providing a wide view
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