telescope

1 of 2

noun

tele·​scope ˈte-lə-ˌskōp How to pronounce telescope (audio)
often attributive
1
: a usually tubular optical instrument for viewing distant objects by means of the refraction of light rays through a lens or the reflection of light rays by a concave mirror compare reflector, refractor
2
: any of various tubular magnifying optical instruments
3

telescope

2 of 2

verb

telescoped; telescoping

intransitive verb

1
: to become forced together lengthwise with one part entering another as the result of collision
2
: to slide or pass one within another like the cylindrical sections of a collapsible hand telescope
3
: to become compressed or condensed

transitive verb

1
: to cause to telescope
2

Examples of telescope in a Sentence

Noun The rings of Saturn can be seen through a telescope. Verb for dramatic purposes, the film telescopes the years over which the events occurred into a few short months
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.
Noun
The telescope was built in the 1960s with money from the Defense Department amid a push to develop anti-ballistic missile defenses. Nicole Acevedo, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024 Overnights at this Airbnb include free breakfast, in-dome telescopes, and ensuite bathrooms. Stephanie Vermillion, Outside Online, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
These include the Sea View Room, which offers marina views; the Sea View Suite, which has a living room, bedroom, and two bathrooms; and the Whale Watching Room, with a balcony and telescope to look for whales. Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 2 Oct. 2024 Some vacuum cleaners come with one or more extension wands, while others include one which has a telescoping design and its length can be adjusted. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for telescope 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin telescopium, from Greek tēleskopos farseeing, from tēle- tele- + skopos watcher; akin to Greek skopein to look — more at spy

First Known Use

Noun

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1866, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of telescope was in 1650

Dictionary Entries Near telescope

Cite this Entry

“Telescope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/telescope. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

telescope

1 of 2 noun
tele·​scope ˈtel-ə-ˌskōp How to pronounce telescope (audio)
: a tubular instrument for viewing distant objects (as objects in outer space) by focusing light rays with mirrors or lenses

telescope

2 of 2 verb
telescoped; telescoping
1
: to slide or cause to slide one within another like the cylindrical sections of a hand telescope
2
: to run together like the sections of a telescope

More from Merriam-Webster on telescope

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