telescopic

adjective

tele·​scop·​ic ˌte-lə-ˈskä-pik How to pronounce telescopic (audio)
1
a
: of, relating to, or performed with a telescope
b
: suitable for seeing or magnifying distant objects
2
: seen or discoverable only by a telescope
telescopic stars
3
: able to discern objects at a distance
4
: having parts that telescope
telescopically adverb

Examples of telescopic in a Sentence

The rifle has a telescopic sight.
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.
The vacuum weighs 6 pounds and has a slim, telescopic design that can fit into tight corners and reach under furniture. Clara McMahon, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025 This style from Open Story features a locking telescopic handle in addition to top and side options for easy lifting into overhead bins and pulling swiftly off the luggage carousel. Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2025 In the days before photography was an available tool, astronomers toggled between the viewfinder and the sketch pad, transcribing their telescopic findings to the printed page. David Kamp, Air Mail, 23 Aug. 2025 KastKing’s telescopic fishing rod collapses down to just 17 inches, perfect for loading in your trunk or luggage. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for telescopic

Word History

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of telescopic was in 1674

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Cite this Entry

“Telescopic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/telescopic. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

telescopic

adjective
tele·​scop·​ic ˌtel-ə-ˈskäp-ik How to pronounce telescopic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or performed with a telescope
2
: seen or discoverable only by a telescope
telescopic stars
3
: able to discern objects at a distance
telescopic vision
4
: having parts that telescope
telescopically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on telescopic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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