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 eyes may become more dependent on compensations, increasing the risk of developing permanent changes like progressing nearsightedness or worsening binocular vision issues. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025

Future Bets Bosworth is already exploring future display models, including versions with cellular connectivity and binocular displays (screens in both lenses). —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 18 Sep. 2025

Noun

Despite bright moonlight from October's full Supermoon, recent comet brightness estimates at the Comet Observation Database (COBS) indicate that Lemmon has been a relatively easy object to sight with good binoculars. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2025

The waterproof body of the binoculars keeps them safe, even if used in wet, rainy or snowy conditions. —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, 7 Oct. 2025

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