binocular

1 of 2

adjective

bin·​oc·​u·​lar bī-ˈnä-kyə-lər How to pronounce binocular (audio)
bə-
: of, relating to, using, or adapted to the use of both eyes
binocularity noun
binocularly adverb

binocular

2 of 2

noun

bin·​oc·​u·​lar bə-ˈnä-kyə-lər How to pronounce binocular (audio)
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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Many hunters already own a binocular harness or holster, but some vests come with one integrated into the vest, which helps minimize the number of straps and buckles around your shoulders and chest. Justin Park, Popular Mechanics, 25 May 2023 Only one binocular fared better in the weather test. Dave Hurteau, Field & Stream, 10 May 2023 All of this leads to one conclusion: This is a truck binocular. Dave Hurteau, Field & Stream, 10 May 2023 That’s great news for casual comet-watchers because this binocular object will, for once, be rather easy to find in the night sky. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2023 It can be seen on a clear night in the Southern Hemisphere without the use of a binocular or telescope, making it the first black hole to be seen without tools. Fox News, 8 May 2020 Magnification is the first number in a binocular description, such as 8x42. The Editors, Field & Stream, 8 Apr. 2020 Instead, Oculudentavis had eyes that bulged out to the sides and no binocular vision, the researchers found. Tom Metcalfe, NBC News, 11 Mar. 2020 The binocular’s best attribute, though, is its tack-sharp image, even in low-light conditions. Andrew Mckean, Outdoor Life, 21 Feb. 2020
Noun
According to SkySafari, stargazers in the Americas can view the trio at once via binoculars, with Mars on the left, Venus at the bottom, and the moon as the point on the triangle’s right. Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2023 These advanced binoculars are now on sale for only $121.99, just in time for Father’s Day. Stack Commerce, Popular Science, 1 June 2023 Many of Eby’s most important insights have come from visiting and revisiting bat roosts over many years, and there was nothing high-tech or novel about her method: a keen eye, a pair of binoculars, a pen and a notebook. Caroline Chen, ProPublica, 23 May 2023 Roof Prism The majority of hunting binoculars on the market are roof-prism models. Dave Hurteau, Field & Stream, 10 May 2023 The capital’s street police officers have been reportedly handed binoculars with the order to watch out for more drones in the sky. Robyn Dixon, Washington Post, 9 May 2023 Not only do the spinning car wheels double as working binoculars, but the headlights become a handheld flashlight. Jessica Hartshorn, goodhousekeeping.com, 9 May 2023 Researchers use binoculars to spot koalas in eucalyptus trees, then construct circular enclosures around the tree bases with doors leading into cages. Christina Larson, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2023 For an even better view pack binoculars or a telescope, download a star gazing app, or pick up a star chart at the front gate to add to your magical road trip experience admiring the shining stars at Point Pelee National Park. Miriam Porter, Forbes, 7 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'binocular.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1679, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of binocular was in 1679

Dictionary Entries Near binocular

Cite this Entry

“Binocular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binocular. Accessed 8 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

binocular

1 of 2 adjective
bin·​oc·​u·​lar bī-ˈnäk-yə-lər How to pronounce binocular (audio)
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 How to pronounce binocular (audio)
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- How to pronounce binocular (audio)
: of, relating to, using, or adapted to the use of both eyes
binocular vision
a binocular microscope
binocularly adverb

binocular

2 of 2 noun
bin·​oc·​u·​lar bə-ˈnäk-yə-lər, bī- How to pronounce binocular (audio)
: a binocular optical instrument

More from Merriam-Webster on binocular

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