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.
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Payne also shared an interest in meteorology and astronomy and enjoyed thrill rides and made trips to rollercoaster parks across the country. 
Jim Riccioli, Journal Sentinel, 3 Sep. 2022 Drake did his PhD in radio astronomy, and his academic career continued with astronomy as a focus. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 2 Sep. 2022 What could be more fun than curling up on a blanket while gazing at the stars and learning fun facts about astronomy? Michael Alberty | For The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive, 27 Aug. 2022 Yet astronomy was the first scientific success story, while scientific medicine, which is so much more practically important, only came hundreds of years later. Alison Gopnik, WSJ, 25 Aug. 2022 Business and political leaders are eager for astronomy to support well-paying jobs in a state that has long struggled to diversify its tourism-dependent economy. Audrey Mcavoy, BostonGlobe.com, 20 Aug. 2022 Business and political leaders are eager for astronomy to support well-paying jobs in a state that has long struggled to diversify its tourism-dependent economy. Audrey Mcavoy, Anchorage Daily News, 20 Aug. 2022 Business and political leaders are eager for astronomy to support well-paying jobs in a state that has long struggled to diversify its tourism-dependent economy. Audrey Mcavoy, ajc, 20 Aug. 2022 However, to see Saturn’s rings through a telescope is still perhaps the most impressive sight of all to anyone starting out in stargazing, planet-spotting and astronomy. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 7 Aug. 2022 See More
Jim Riccioli, Journal Sentinel, 3 Sep. 2022 Drake did his PhD in radio astronomy, and his academic career continued with astronomy as a focus. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 2 Sep. 2022 What could be more fun than curling up on a blanket while gazing at the stars and learning fun facts about astronomy? Michael Alberty | For The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive, 27 Aug. 2022 Yet astronomy was the first scientific success story, while scientific medicine, which is so much more practically important, only came hundreds of years later. Alison Gopnik, WSJ, 25 Aug. 2022 Business and political leaders are eager for astronomy to support well-paying jobs in a state that has long struggled to diversify its tourism-dependent economy. Audrey Mcavoy, BostonGlobe.com, 20 Aug. 2022 Business and political leaders are eager for astronomy to support well-paying jobs in a state that has long struggled to diversify its tourism-dependent economy. Audrey Mcavoy, Anchorage Daily News, 20 Aug. 2022 Business and political leaders are eager for astronomy to support well-paying jobs in a state that has long struggled to diversify its tourism-dependent economy. Audrey Mcavoy, ajc, 20 Aug. 2022 However, to see Saturn’s rings through a telescope is still perhaps the most impressive sight of all to anyone starting out in stargazing, planet-spotting and astronomy. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 7 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English astronomie, from Anglo-French, from Latin astronomia, from Greek, from astr- + -nomia -nomy
First Known Use
12th century, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing astronomy
Kids Definition
astronomy
noun
as·tron·o·my ə-ˈsträ-nə-mē
: a science that deals with objects and matter outside the earth's atmosphere and their properties