astronomer
uh-STRON-uh-muh
Astronomer (noun) means a scientist who studies stars, planets, and the wider universe. Example: “The astronomer discovered a new exoplanet using the observatory’s telescope.”
noun
1
A scientist who studies stars, planets, and the wider universe.
"Pioneering American astronomer Vera Rubin once mentored fellow aspiring female astronomers and advocated for women in science. It’s fitting that the first national US observatory named for a female astronomer is in her honor."
— Ashley Strickland, First US observatory named in honor of a female astronomer, Vera Rubin (2020)
"The astronomer discovered a new exoplanet using the observatory’s telescope."
"But none of those brown dwarfs were speeding along on a trajectory that would carry them out of the galaxy like “runaway” hypervelocity stars observed by astronomers in the last two decades."
— Ashley Strickland, An unusual object is moving so fast it could escape the Milky Way. Scientists aren’t certain what it is (2024)
How to use astronomer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA scientist who studies space and celestial objects.
Easily confused with
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like astronomer.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- astronomers
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ discovered a new exoplanet using the observatory’s telescope.
Etymology
Comes from Middle English astronomer, made up of astronomy and -er. It displaced the native Old English word tungolcræftiga.
Synonyms
View more →
stargazer
uranologist
Related words
Rhymes for astronomer
See all rhymes for astronomer →Frequently asked questions
What does “astronomer” mean?
The word “astronomer” means a scientist who studies stars, planets, and the wider universe. In plain terms, a scientist who studies space and celestial objects.
How do you pronounce “astronomer”?
“Astronomer” is pronounced uh-STRON-uh-muh (/əˈstɹɑ.nə.mɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “astronomer” in a sentence?
Here is “astronomer” used in a sentence: “The astronomer discovered a new exoplanet using the observatory’s telescope.”
What part of speech is “astronomer”?
“Astronomer” is a noun.
Is “astronomer” a common word?
“Astronomer” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
