observatory

UK: /əbˈzɜː^rvətri/

US: /əbˈzɝvəˌtɔri/

US: (əb zûr′və tôr′ē, -tōr′ē)

Inflections of 'observatory' (n): npl: observatories

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ob•serv•a•to•ry /əbˈzɜrvəˌtɔri/   n. [countable] , pl. -ries. 

1. a building equipped for studying the heavens or other natural phenomena, esp. a place equipped with a powerful telescope.

See -serv-².

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

ob•serv•a•to•ry  (əb zûr′və tôr′ē, -tōr′ē), n., pl. -ries. 

1. a place or building equipped and used for making observations of astronomical, meteorological, or other natural phenomena, esp. a place equipped with a powerful telescope for observing the planets and stars.
2. an institution that controls or carries on the work of such a place.
3. a place or structure that provides an extensive view;
   lookout.

• Latin observā(re) to observe + -tory²
• 1670–80

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

observatory / əbˈzɜːvətərɪ -trɪ/ noun ( -ries)

1. an institution or building specially designed and equipped for observing meteorological and astronomical phenomena
2. any building or structure providing an extensive view of its surroundings