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

Examples of binocular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
That's because there is a higher concentration of retinal ganglion cells in the center of their field of vision, making vision sharper and giving such dogs binocular depth vision. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 21 Dec. 2023 Experimental psychologists can take advantage of that quirk through the phenomenon of binocular rivalry. Elizabeth Finkel, Quanta Magazine, 24 Aug. 2023 Observers with an unobstructed view to the east-northeastern horizon might get good binocular views of Comet C/2023 P1 (Nishimura) about 45 minutes before sunrise. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 1 Oct. 2020 The second number in a binocular size is the aperture, or the diameter. Kevin Cortez, Popular Mechanics, 5 June 2023 This is an ideal pair of binoculars particularly on safari, though it can be used in most binocular-viewing scenarios. Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2023 Eye Relief: The distance between your eyes and the binocular eyepiece lenses. Kevin Cortez, Popular Mechanics, 5 June 2023 Small clutch bags, camera and binocular cases not exceeding 4.5 by 6.5 inches, with or without a handle or strap. Brendel Hightower, Detroit Free Press, 5 June 2023 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
Noun
Instead, aim the telescope or binoculars at the sun and project the image onto a piece of white cardboard or paper held several feet away. The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024 Grab a pair of binoculars and meet the park's naturalist at the Delaware Lake parking lot for the 2-mile hike lasting around 2 hours. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 7 Mar. 2024 Don’t look at the sun through any unfiltered optical device — camera lens, telescope, binoculars — while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer, according to NASA. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 3 Mar. 2024 Sea-Watch, which is among several NGOs that plan to use the One Fleet app, currently locates distressed migrant vessels by using radars, patrolling the sea with binoculars, or tracking Frontex drones. Beatrice Tridimas, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Mar. 2024 And in a fit of pique, after being stopped in his car by the police doing 22.5 mph—way above the 12 mph limit at the time—Dunhill created mini binoculars, worn like spectacles, called Bobby Finders, after the nickname for English police of the period. Paul Croughton, Robb Report, 17 Feb. 2024 The company is developing a partnership with Swarovski Optik—one of the world’s leading makers of binoculars—to enhance the wildlife experience for safari-goers and for the naturalist guides. Ann Abel, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Lowell sometimes sat on his back porch with binoculars and saw scouts with rifles staring back toward his house. Eli Saslow Erin Schaff, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2024 Halverson Bar/Lake Distance from Boise: 38.6 miles Driving time from Boise: 55 minutes Bring your binoculars on this 3.8-mile hike to a small lake in the Snake River Canyon. Kae Lani Palmisano, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024

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 29 Mar. 2024.

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

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