astronomy

noun

as·​tron·​o·​my ə-ˈsträ-nə-mē 

plural astronomies

: the study of objects and matter outside the earth's atmosphere and of their physical and chemical properties

Did you know?

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

But in a separate filing to the FCC, SpaceX said it’s been working with the astronomy community on mitigating the potential risks. —Michael Kan, PCMAG, 31 May 2024

The alignment will consist of Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, according to the astronomy app Star Walk. —Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 29 May 2024

At the forefront of engineering, language and astronomy, the Egyptians were also pivotal in developing the foundation for modern medicine. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 29 May 2024

The Griffith Observatory’s website is a terrific resource, with monthly sky reports and links to dozens of active local astronomy clubs and planetariums. —Laura Randall, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2024

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

Phrases Containing astronomy

• radar astronomy
• radio astronomy
• X-ray astronomy

Kids Definition

astronomy

noun

as·​tron·​o·​my ə-ˈsträn-ə-mē 

plural astronomies

: the science of the heavenly bodies and of their sizes, motions, and composition

astronomer

-mər

noun