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astronaut

n.
US //ˈæstɹəˌnɑt// UK //ˈæstɹənˌɔːt// as·tro·naut
  1. 1 space traveler (n.)
    A2 Elementary Science

    a person who travels into space for work or exploration.

    a crew member of a spacecraft or someone trained for space flight missions.

    Example

    The astronaut floated inside the space station while looking at the Earth below.

    Example

    After years of rigorous physical and psychological training, the astronaut finally embarked on her first mission to the International Space Station.
    • cosmonaut
    • spaceman
  2. 2 working abroad (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Dialect

    a person who works in another country while their family stays at home.

    a person, typically a professional, who works overseas and only returns to their family for short periods.

    Example

    He lived as an astronaut for five years, working in London while his wife and kids stayed in Hong Kong.

    Example

    The social phenomenon of the 'astronaut father' became common as professionals sought better career opportunities abroad while maintaining a stable home base for their children.

    Usage

    Primarily used in Hong Kong English to describe family breadwinners who fly back and forth.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a specific cultural metaphor used in Hong Kong; most English speakers will only know the 'space traveler' meaning.
Origin

From astro- + -naut. Coined from Ancient Greek ἄστρον (ástron, “star”) and ναύτης (naútēs, “sailor”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026