binocular

1 of 2

adjective

bin·​oc·​u·​lar bī-ˈnä-kyə-lər  bə- 

: of, relating to, using, or adapted to the use of both eyes

binocularity

(ˌ)bī-ˌnä-kyə-ˈler-ə-tē 

-ˈla-rə-, 

bə-

noun

binocularly

bī-ˈnä-kyə-lər-lē 

bə-

adverb

binocular

2 of 2

noun

bin·​oc·​u·​lar bə-ˈnä-kyə-lər  bī- 

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

Adjective

The Borrego Springs Library is holding an astrophotography and binocular discussion on April 14. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026

The device follows the familiar binocular-style design, weighing around 410 g (11 oz) and built for handheld use, with tripod support for longer sessions. —New Atlas, 8 Apr. 2026

Noun

Bring your chairs, blankets, picnics, binoculars and leashed dogs. —Sean Clancy, Baltimore Sun, 9 Apr. 2026

Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars, flashlights, jackets, drinks and snacks. —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1679, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for binocular

• monocular
• postocular
• interocular
• multilocular
• unilocular
• jocular
• ocular

Kids Definition

binocular

1 of 2 adjective

bin·​oc·​u·​lar bī-ˈnäk-yə-lər 

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 

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- 

: of, relating to, using, or adapted to the use of both eyes

binocular vision

a binocular microscope

binocularly

bī-ˈnäk-yə-lər-lē, bə- 

adverb

binocular

2 of 2 noun

bin·​oc·​u·​lar bə-ˈnäk-yə-lər, bī- 

: a binocular optical instrument