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
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
Only one binocular fared better in the weather test.
—Dave Hurteau, Field & Stream, 10 May 2023
Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Oct. 2023
If your father figure is in the market for new hobbies, a SELF Outdoor Award–winning pair of binoculars could awaken his inner birder, while an at-home weather station might spark a new love of meteorology.
—Sara Coughlin, SELF, 21 Sep. 2023
Both authors mention having to be on their guard when roaming public spaces with binoculars, fearing that their intentions will be misconstrued.
—Barbara Spindel, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Sep. 2023
Birders will love these Bushnell binoculars (which are only $30) while hikers will appreciate this personal water filter that’s 13 percent off.
—Brittany Vanderbill, Travel + Leisure, 17 Nov. 2023
Even in public areas, someone squinting through binoculars at the crack of dawn at seemingly empty trees can throw off passersby.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2023
The images from this time became indelible: platoons of uniformed personnel in the mist, combing through the bramble; fire trucks with long ladders extended out and over the beach brush; officers peering down with binoculars from elevated buckets.
—Robert Kolker, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2023
People with eclipse glasses or handheld viewers should not use them in conjunction with cameras, binoculars, or telescopes; those devices require different types of solar filters.
—Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 2 Oct. 2023
In the frigid air of first light, an eager brigade clutching binoculars descended on a public park in a tony enclave near Pacific Palisades.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2023
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Adjective
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
Only one binocular fared better in the weather test.
—Dave Hurteau, Field & Stream, 10 May 2023
Noun
The list also doesn’t include technologies the police department has disclosed separately and contains tools that wouldn’t fall under the law — such as binoculars and digital cameras.
—Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Oct. 2023
If your father figure is in the market for new hobbies, a SELF Outdoor Award–winning pair of binoculars could awaken his inner birder, while an at-home weather station might spark a new love of meteorology.
—Sara Coughlin, SELF, 21 Sep. 2023
Both authors mention having to be on their guard when roaming public spaces with binoculars, fearing that their intentions will be misconstrued.
—Barbara Spindel, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Sep. 2023
Birders will love these Bushnell binoculars (which are only $30) while hikers will appreciate this personal water filter that’s 13 percent off.
—Brittany Vanderbill, Travel + Leisure, 17 Nov. 2023
Even in public areas, someone squinting through binoculars at the crack of dawn at seemingly empty trees can throw off passersby.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2023
The images from this time became indelible: platoons of uniformed personnel in the mist, combing through the bramble; fire trucks with long ladders extended out and over the beach brush; officers peering down with binoculars from elevated buckets.
—Robert Kolker, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2023
People with eclipse glasses or handheld viewers should not use them in conjunction with cameras, binoculars, or telescopes; those devices require different types of solar filters.
—Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 2 Oct. 2023
In the frigid air of first light, an eager brigade clutching binoculars descended on a public park in a tony enclave near Pacific Palisades.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2023
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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
Dictionary Entries Near binocular
Cite this Entry
“Binocular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binocular. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.
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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
binocular
2 of 2 noun
bin·oc·u·lar
bə-ˈnäk-yə-lər, bī-
: a binocular optical instrument
More from Merriam-Webster on binocular
Nglish: Translation of binocular for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about binocular
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