English · Word Candidate

observatory

/əbˈzɜːvət(ə)ɹi/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: observatories

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A place where stars, planets and other celestial bodies are observed, usually through a telescope; also place for observing meteorological or other natural phenomena.

Noun

Examples

The corporation of Harvard University have passed a vote closing the observatory in Cambridge to the public on Saturday evenings.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A lookout (vantage point with a view of the surrounding area)

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “observatory” mean?

A place where stars, planets and other celestial bodies are observed, usually through a telescope; also place for observing meteorological or other natural phenomena.

Is “observatory” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.