astronaut

[as-truh-nawt, -not] / ˈæs trəˌnɔt, -ˌnɒt /

NOUN

space explorer

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cosmonaut pilot

WEAK

moonwalker rocket scientist rocketeer space person star person

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“We do so in honoring the extraordinary efforts and feats of our predecessors in human space exploration,” said Canadian astronaut and Artemis II mission specialist Jeremy Hansen.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

With communications re-established, astronaut Christina Koch said: "It's so great to hear the Earth again."

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

Artemis 2 astronaut Victor Glover, who pilots the Orion spacecraft, said before liftoff this week that eyes were a "magical instrument."

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

The iconic photograph taken by astronaut William Anders captured the bright blue Earth against the vast darkness of space, with the Moon's cratered surface in the foreground.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

Now, she was an astronaut clipped from her vessel, floating endlessly in endlessness, with no possibility of ever returning.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti