bifocal

1 of 2

adjective

bi·​fo·​cal ˈbī-ˌfō-kəl 

1

: having two focal lengths

2

: having one part that corrects for near vision and one for distant vision

a bifocal eyeglass lens

bifocal

2 of 2

noun

1

bifocals plural : eyeglasses with bifocal lenses

2

: a bifocal glass or lens

Examples of bifocal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Presbyopia is often corrected with reading glasses, bifocal lenses (for people who are also nearsighted), or contact lenses. — Christine L. Larsen, Verywell Health, 8 May 2024

Another features the Phanatic in his best Ben Franklin cosplay, complete with bifocal glasses (which Ben invented). — Nikki Dementri, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026

Noun

Blond hair in braids, bifocals firmly in place, a wide-open smile displaying a hatchwork of braces on wayward teeth. — CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025

The usual solutions to the issue are either picking up a pair of reading glasses, or swapping your daily lenses or contact lenses for bifocals. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 7 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

Adjective

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bifocal

1 of 2 adjective

bi·​fo·​cal (ˈ)bī-ˈfō-kəl 

: having two focal lengths

bifocal

2 of 2 noun

1

: a bifocal glass or lens

2

plural : eyeglasses with bifocal lenses that correct for both near vision and distant vision

Medical Definition

bifocal

1 of 2 adjective

bi·​fo·​cal (ˈ)bī-ˈfō-kəl 

1

: having two focal lengths

2

: having one part that corrects for near vision and one for distant vision

a bifocal eyeglass lens

bifocal

2 of 2 noun

1

: a bifocal glass or lens

2

bifocals plural : eyeglasses with bifocal lenses