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
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Adjective
This guide is for those just starting to explore the fantastic world of binocular observation. Matt Morris, Space.com, 6 June 2025 Best Prime Day binocular deals Celestron Cometron 7x50 astronomy binoculars: was $48 now $34 at Amazon Save 28% on these dedicated astronomy binoculars with huge 50mm objective lenses. Harry Bennett, Space.com, 10 July 2025
Noun
With those in hand, use a pair of binoculars to find the crescent moon. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025 Inside his bag was a homemade explosive device, binoculars, a pocketknife and a torch lighter. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 23 July 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Binocular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binocular. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

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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