optical

adjective

op·​ti·​cal ˈäp-ti-kəl How to pronounce optical (audio)
1
: of or relating to the science of optics
2
a
: of or relating to vision : visual
b
: visible sense 1
optical wavelength
c
: of, relating to, or being objects that emit light in the visible range of frequencies
an optical galaxy
d
: using the properties of light to aid vision
an optical instrument
3
a
: of, relating to, or utilizing light especially instead of other forms of energy
optical microscopy
b
: involving the use of light-sensitive devices to acquire information for a computer
optical character recognition
4
: of or relating to optical art
optically adverb

Examples of optical in a Sentence

The company manufactures microscopes, telescopes, and other optical instruments. an optical illusion that fools most people
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The crux of our thesis is that Corning’s optical communication enterprise business is a big winner in the AI data center buildout, so that’s an important box to check this quarter. Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2025 By designing two complementary layers—a tunable optical active layer and a mechanically distinct passive layer—the team created modular actuators capable of diverse motions, from directional movement to secure object gripping. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025 The exhibition space is in optical white, with neon lighting that highlights the details and embroidery of each piece, showcasing the designers’ meticulous craftsmanship. Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2025 Most display ultraviolet light, indicating stars, plus optical/infrared light, indicating active black holes. Big Think, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for optical

Word History

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of optical was in 1570

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Optical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optical. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

optical

adjective
op·​ti·​cal ˈäp-ti-kəl How to pronounce optical (audio)
1
: relating to optics
2
: of or relating to vision
3
a
: of, relating to, or using light
an optical telescope
b
: involving the use of a device that senses light to acquire information for a computer
an optical scanner
optically adverb

Medical Definition

optical

adjective
op·​ti·​cal ˈäp-ti-kəl How to pronounce optical (audio)
1
: of or relating to the science of optics
2
a
: of or relating to vision : visual
b
: using the properties of light to aid vision
an optical instrument
3
: of, relating to, or utilizing light
optical microscopy

More from Merriam-Webster on optical

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