What does "observatory" mean?

1. (astronomical facility) a building with a large telescope used for studying the stars, planets, and space. 2. (viewing platform) a high place or deck on a tall building where you can look out over a city or landscape.

How do you use "observatory"?

Often used with the definite article when referring to a specific famous facility. Commonly used in the context of urban tourism and architecture.

observatory

US //əbˈzɝvəˌtɔɹi// UK //ɒbzˈɜːvətəɹˌi// ob·ser·va·to·ry

1 astronomical facility (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Science

a building with a large telescope used for studying the stars, planets, and space.

a specialized facility designed for astronomical observation, typically housing a large telescope and often situated at high altitudes to minimize atmospheric interference.

Example

The school trip to the mountain observatory allowed the students to see the rings of Saturn clearly.

Example

Modern astronomical observatories are frequently located in remote deserts or on volcanic peaks to ensure the clearest possible view of distant galaxies.

Usage

Often used with the definite article when referring to a specific famous facility.
- watchtower
- station
2 viewing platform (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a high place or deck on a tall building where you can look out over a city or landscape.

a high vantage point or viewing platform, often located at the summit of a skyscraper, intended for public sightseeing or surveillance.

Example

We took the lift to the observatory on the 100th floor to see the city lights at night.

Example

The skyscraper features a glass-floored observatory that provides tourists with a panoramic, albeit dizzying, view of the metropolitan skyline.

Usage

Commonly used in the context of urban tourism and architecture.

Origin

Borrowed from French observatoire.

Word family

Verbobserve
Nounobservance
Nounobservation
Nounobservatory
Nounobserver
Adjectiveobservant
Adjectiveobservational