focal length

noun

: the distance of a focus from the surface of a lens or curved mirror

Examples of focal length 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.
That effect can bring a sense of depth to images, but seeing a full picture clearly typically requires you to combine multiple photographs that were shot at different focal lengths. Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 29 Dec. 2025 For example, a telescope with 660mm focal length and a 10mm eyepiece will have a magnification of 66x. Jamie Carter, Space.com, 30 Nov. 2025 Consider Zone focusing: A favorite of street photographers, Zone focusing means using the aperture in conjunction with the lens's focal length to control the depth of field and create a zone that will be in focus. Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 15 Nov. 2025 In their experiments, the researchers showed that the plasma lens could focus light across a wide range of XUV wavelengths, with its focal length adjustable by tuning the plasma density. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for focal length

Word History

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of focal length was in 1682

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Focal length.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/focal%20length. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

focal length

noun
: the distance of a focus from the surface of a lens or inwardly-curved mirror

Medical Definition

focal length

noun
: the distance of a focus from the surface of a lens or concave mirror
symbol f

More from Merriam-Webster on focal length

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!