binocular

1 of 2

adjective

bin·​oc·​u·​lar bī-ˈnä-kyə-lər How to pronounce binocular (audio) bə- How to pronounce binocular (audio)
: of, relating to, using, or adapted to the use of both eyes
binocularity noun
binocularly adverb

binocular

2 of 2

noun

bin·​oc·​u·​lar bə-ˈnä-kyə-lər How to pronounce binocular (audio) bī- How to pronounce binocular (audio)
1
: a binocular optical instrument
2
: a handheld optical instrument composed of two telescopes and a focusing device and usually having prisms to increase magnifying ability
usually used in plural

Examples of binocular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The Palate Of Two Generations Fiona struggled to continue her prior work as a commercial photographer after being diagnosed with Fourth Nerve Cranial Palsy, losing her binocular vision. Andrew Watman, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 Roof Prism: This refers to a type of binocular design, the alternative being Porro prism (see below). Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 6 Oct. 2024
Noun
The crowds watched the canyon keenly, peering through zoom lenses and binoculars and eyeglasses. Lane Sainty, The Arizona Republic, 3 Nov. 2024 While the comet is becoming harder to spot in the sky with a naked eye, Ryle said binoculars and telescopes can provide great views, especially if a camera is utilized to gather light over many minutes. Kaycee Sloan, The Enquirer, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for binocular 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1679, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of binocular was in 1679

Dictionary Entries Near binocular

Cite this Entry

“Binocular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binocular. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

binocular

1 of 2 adjective
bin·​oc·​u·​lar bī-ˈnäk-yə-lər How to pronounce binocular (audio)
bə-
: of, relating to, using, or adapted to the use of both eyes
binocular vision

binocular

2 of 2 noun
bin·​oc·​u·​lar bə-ˈnäk-yə-lər How to pronounce binocular (audio)
bī-
1
: a binocular optical instrument
2
: a handheld instrument for seeing at a distance that consists of two telescopes, a focusing device, and usually prisms
usually used in plural
a pair of binoculars

Medical Definition

binocular

1 of 2 adjective
bin·​oc·​u·​lar bī-ˈnäk-yə-lər, bə- How to pronounce binocular (audio)
: of, relating to, using, or adapted to the use of both eyes
binocular vision
a binocular microscope
binocularly adverb

binocular

2 of 2 noun
bin·​oc·​u·​lar bə-ˈnäk-yə-lər, bī- How to pronounce binocular (audio)
: a binocular optical instrument

More from Merriam-Webster on binocular

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